Family members bring a client to the ED with pale cool skin, sudden midsternal chest pain unrelieved with rest, and a history of CAD. How should the nurse best interpret these initial data?

The symptoms indicate an acute coronary episode and should be treated as such.

The symptoms indicate angina and should be treated as such.

Treatment should be determined pending the results of an exercise stress test.

The symptoms indicate a pulmonary etiology rather than a cardiac etiology.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. The symptoms indicate an acute coronary episode and should be treated as such:

The client's symptoms, including sudden midsternal chest pain unrelieved with rest and a history of coronary artery disease (CAD), strongly suggest an acute coronary event, such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Pale, cool skin can also be indicative of decreased perfusion due to cardiac compromise. Given these critical signs and symptoms, the nurse should interpret this as a potential cardiac emergency and initiate immediate interventions aimed at managing and stabilizing the client's condition.

B. The symptoms indicate angina and should be treated as such:

While angina can present with symptoms such as chest pain, it is typically relieved with rest or nitroglycerin. In contrast, the client in this scenario has midsternal chest pain that is not relieved with rest, which is more indicative of an acute coronary event like a myocardial infarction. Therefore, interpreting the symptoms as angina and treating them as such may not be appropriate given the severity and persistence of the chest pain.

C. Treatment should be determined pending the results of an exercise stress test:

Waiting for the results of an exercise stress test is not appropriate in this scenario, as the client's presentation suggests an acute cardiac event that requires immediate intervention. Exercise stress tests are typically used for diagnostic purposes to assess cardiovascular function under controlled conditions but are not suitable for managing acute coronary episodes or emergencies.

D. The symptoms indicate a pulmonary etiology rather than a cardiac etiology:

While some symptoms, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, can overlap between cardiac and pulmonary conditions, the client's presentation with sudden midsternal chest pain unrelieved with rest, pale cool skin, and a history of CAD strongly suggests a cardiac etiology, specifically an acute coronary event. It is essential to prioritize cardiac assessment and intervention based on the client's symptoms and medical history.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "I will wear layered clothing when walking outside in winter": This statement shows an understanding of the need to dress appropriately for weather conditions, which is important in managing symptoms during physical activity.

B. "I will walk early in the morning when it is hot outside": This statement indicates a lack of understanding regarding the ideal timing for outdoor activities, especially in hot weather. Exercising during the cooler parts of the day (such as early morning or late evening) is recommended to avoid heat-related stress and potential exacerbation of cardiovascular symptoms.

C. "If I get shortness of breath, I should slow down a bit": This statement demonstrates an understanding of monitoring symptoms during exercise and adjusting activity levels accordingly, which is an important aspect of managing coronary artery disease.

D. "My exercise intensity should not exceed my ability to talk": This statement reflects an understanding of the recommended exercise intensity level based on the ability to talk comfortably during physical activity, known as the "talk test."

A. Ascending edema B. The client has no desire to eat. C. The client sleeps on three pillows at night. D. The client has a five pound weight gain.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Ascending edema:

Ascending edema, also known as dependent edema, is typically associated with right-sided heart failure rather than left-sided heart failure. In right-sided heart failure, the heart's ability to pump blood to the lungs for oxygenation is compromised, leading to fluid backup in the systemic circulation. This fluid accumulates in the dependent areas of the body, such as the lower extremities (legs and ankles), causing swelling that can ascend upwards if left untreated. However, ascending edema is not a characteristic finding in left-sided heart failure, where pulmonary congestion and orthopnea are more common manifestations.

B. The client has no desire to eat:

While decreased appetite can occur in heart failure due to various factors such as fluid retention, abdominal bloating, or medication side effects, it is not a specific hallmark of left-sided heart failure. Symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea (shortness of breath), orthopnea (difficulty breathing while lying flat), and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) are more commonly associated with left-sided heart failure. These symptoms result from the impaired function of the left ventricle, leading to pulmonary congestion and inadequate oxygenation.

C. The client sleeps on three pillows at night:

This choice is the correct answer. Sleeping on three pillows at night is a classic manifestation of orthopnea, a condition commonly seen in left-sided heart failure. Orthopnea refers to difficulty breathing while lying flat, which is alleviated by elevating the head and upper body with multiple pillows or sleeping in a semi-upright position. Orthopnea occurs due to the redistribution of fluid from the legs and lower body to the lungs when lying down, resulting in pulmonary congestion and respiratory distress.

D. The client has a five-pound weight gain:

Weight gain is a common symptom of fluid retention in heart failure; however, a specific weight gain of five pounds alone may not be indicative of left-sided heart failure without considering other clinical signs and symptoms. In heart failure, weight gain is often associated with fluid overload, which can lead to edema, dyspnea, orthopnea, and other signs of congestion. It's important to assess the client comprehensively for fluid status, including evaluating for edema, respiratory symptoms, and changes in weight over time, to determine the underlying cause of weight gain.

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Family members bring a client to the ED with pale cool skin, sudden midsternal chest pain unrelieved with rest, and a history of CAD. How should the nurse best interpret these initial data?

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Correct Answer is B

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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