After receiving change-of-shift report on a heart failure unit, which client should the nurse assess first?
Client who is taking digoxin and has a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L
Client who is taking captopril and has a frequent nonproductive cough
Client who is taking carvedilol (Coreg) and has a heart rate of 58
Client who is taking isosorbide dinitrate/hydralazine (BiDil) and has a headache
The Correct Answer is D
The client taking isosorbide dinitrate/hydralazine (BiDil) and experiencing a headache should be assessed first. Isosorbide dinitrate/hydralazine is a medication combination used to treat heart failure, particularly in African American patients. However, one of the side effects of hydralazine is headaches.
Headache in a client taking this medication may indicate increased blood pressure as a compensatory response to vasodilation. If not addressed promptly, it may lead to worsening heart failure or other complications. Therefore, it is essential to assess the client's blood pressure, signs of worsening heart failure, and evaluate the severity and duration of the headache.
The other options may also require attention:
A) A client taking digoxin with a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L needs assessment, as hypokalemia can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. However, the headache in the BiDil client takes priority due to the potential complications related to increased blood pressure.
B) A client taking captopril and experiencing a frequent nonproductive cough may indicate a side effect of the medication. While it should be assessed, it is not as immediately concerning as the headache in the BiDil client.
C) A client taking carvedilol (Coreg) with a heart rate of 58 is within an acceptable range, especially if the client is tolerating it well without symptoms. It may not require immediate assessment unless there are other concerning symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
A) Potassium: CKD can lead to hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) as the kidneys lose their ability to excrete potassium effectively. Limiting potassium intake helps prevent elevated potassium levels and reduces the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
B) Calcium: In CKD, impaired kidney function can lead to abnormalities in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, which can result in secondary hyperparathyroidism. Limiting calcium intake can help manage the imbalances in calcium and phosphorus levels.
(D) Phosphorus: Impaired kidney function in CKD leads to decreased phosphate excretion, resulting in hyperphosphatemia (high phosphorus levels). High phosphorus levels can lead to bone disease and other complications, so limiting phosphorus intake is essential.
Iron (C) is not typically limited in the diet of a client with CKD unless they have iron overload or specific conditions that warrant iron restriction.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The client's presentation of chest pain radiating to the left arm, sweating, shortness of breath, epigastric discomfort, cool and diaphoretic skin, tachycardia, and ST elevation on the electrocardiogram (ECG) are indicative of myocardial infarction (heart attack). These symptoms and findings are typical of acute coronary syndrome, specifically an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
Option A (Ischemic Stroke) is not the correct answer because the symptoms described in the client's presentation are primarily related to the cardiovascular system and not indicative of an ischemic stroke.
Option B (Chronic Stable Angina) is not the correct answer because chronic stable angina typically presents with chest pain on exertion or stress, and it usually subsides with rest or nitroglycerin. The client's symptoms of chest pain at rest, along with other findings, are more concerning for an acute cardiac event like a myocardial infarction.
Option D (Cardiogenic Shock) is a severe complication that can occur following a myocardial infarction, but the information provided in the scenario does not suggest that the client is in cardiogenic shock at this time. The client's blood pressure is not mentioned in the scenario, which is a crucial parameter to assess for cardiogenic shock.
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