client with acute coronary syndrome has returned to the coronary care unit after having angioplasty with stent placement. Which assessment data indicate the need for immediate action by the nurse?
Heart rate 102 beats/min
Report of chest pain
Blood pressure 103/54 mm Hg
Pedal pulses 1+ bilaterally
The Correct Answer is C
Among the given options, the assessment data that indicate the need for immediate action by the nurse is a blood pressure of 103/54 mm Hg. This blood pressure reading indicates hypotension, which can be concerning for a post-angioplasty patient.
Angioplasty with stent placement is an invasive procedure, and patients may experience fluctuations in blood pressure during the immediate post-operative period. Hypotension after angioplasty can be a sign of inadequate cardiac output, which may be due to issues like bleeding, fluid loss, or heart dysfunction. Inadequate blood pressure can lead to decreased perfusion to vital organs, including the heart itself, and can be life-threatening.
Options A, B, and D are also important to address:
A) Heart rate 102 beats/min: A heart rate of 102 beats per minute may indicate tachycardia, which can be expected after a procedure like angioplasty. However, it is not as urgent of a concern as hypotension, and it may be a normal compensatory response to the body's stress.
B) Report of chest pain: Chest pain after angioplasty can be common, but it should be evaluated further to ensure it is not indicative of complications such as coronary artery spasms, clot formation, or restenosis of the treated artery. While this is an important issue to address, it does not take precedence over hypotension.
D) Pedal pulses 1+ bilaterally: This finding suggests that the peripheral pulses in the feet are weak, and it could be related to the patient's medical condition, medications, or positioning. While it requires attention, it is not an immediate threat to the patient's life compared to severe hypotension.
Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing and addressing the low blood pressure to prevent further complications and ensure the patient's stability. The nurse should promptly notify the healthcare provider and implement appropriate interventions, such as administering intravenous fluids, to increase blood pressure to a safe level.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Resumption of sexual activity after a myocardial infarction (MI) is an important topic to address as part of the overall recovery and rehabilitation process. It should be discussed along with other physical activities during the patient's recovery. The nurse should initiate the discussion in a supportive and non-judgmental manner, addressing the patient's concerns, fears, and questions about sexual activity after an MI.
Sexual activity is a normal part of life, and patients may have concerns about the safety and appropriateness of engaging in sexual activity after a significant cardiac event like an MI. Discussing it along with other physical activities helps normalize the topic and allows the nurse to provide accurate information, address any misconceptions, and offer guidance on when and how to resume sexual activity safely. Patients should be encouraged to have an open dialogue with their healthcare provider about their concerns and any specific questions they may have related to resuming sexual activity.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that acts by blocking the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system on the heart, leading to an increase in heart rate (positive chronotropic effect) and conduction velocity (positive dromotropic effect). In patients with symptomatic type 1 second degree atrioventricular (AV) block (also known as Mobitz type 1 or Wenckebach), the electrical impulses between the atria and ventricles are delayed or blocked intermittently, resulting in a progressive lengthening of the PR interval until a ventricular beat is dropped.
When atropine is administered to a patient with symptomatic type 1 AV block, it can counteract the increased vagal tone that contributes to the block and help improve the conduction through the AV node. As a result, the heart rate is expected to increase, which is a positive response to the medication.
The other options listed (B) Decrease in premature ventricular contractions, (C) Increase in strength of peripheral pulses, and (D) Decrease in premature atrial contractions, are not directly related to the effect of atropine on type 1 AV block and are not typical findings associated with atropine administration in this context. The main goal of administering atropine in this situation is to increase the heart rate and improve the AV conduction to alleviate symptoms associated with the AV block.
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