The nurse is admitting an older adult with heart failure to the cardiac unit. The nurse notes dyspnea on exertion, fatigue, and 3+ pitting edema in the ankles. What priority actions will the nurse implement for this patient?
Weigh patient using bed scale and restrict oral fluids.
Obtain pulse oximetry levels and assess the respiratory status.
Elevate lower extremity on two pillows while patient is in bed.
Obtain a Physical Therapy consultation to evaluate activity tolerance.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Weighing the patient using a bed scale and restricting oral fluids are important interventions for managing fluid balance in heart failure, but they are not the immediate priority. Assessing the respiratory status takes precedence to ensure the patient is not in respiratory distress.
Choice B reason: Obtaining pulse oximetry levels and assessing the respiratory status are priority actions. Dyspnea on exertion and fatigue indicate potential respiratory compromise, and it is crucial to evaluate oxygenation and respiratory function immediately.
Choice C reason: Elevating the lower extremity on two pillows while the patient is in bed can help reduce edema but is not the immediate priority. Respiratory assessment and stabilization take precedence.
Choice D reason: Obtaining a Physical Therapy consultation to evaluate activity tolerance is beneficial for long-term management but is not an immediate priority in acute care. The focus should be on assessing and stabilizing the patient's respiratory and cardiac status.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Kussmaul breathing is a deep, labored breathing pattern that is a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis, commonly seen in diabetic ketoacidosis.
Choice B reason: Abdominal pain is a common symptom in diabetic ketoacidosis due to the metabolic disturbances and dehydration.
Choice C reason: A positive Trousseau sign is associated with hypocalcemia and is not a common manifestation of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Choice D reason: Decreased heart rate is not typical in diabetic ketoacidosis. In fact, patients might present with an increased heart rate due to dehydration and acidosis.
Choice E reason: Confusion is a symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis due to the effects of severe hyperglycemia and metabolic acidosis on the brain.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Kussmaul breathing is a sign of metabolic acidosis, not metabolic alkalosis. It is characterized by deep, labored breathing as the body tries to expel excess carbon dioxide.
Choice B reason: Positive Chvostek sign is an indication of hypocalcemia, which can be associated with metabolic alkalosis. It is a facial muscle twitch that occurs when the facial nerve is tapped.
Choice C reason: Hematemesis, or vomiting blood, is not a clinical manifestation of metabolic alkalosis. It is more related to gastrointestinal bleeding.
Choice D reason: Distended jugular veins are more commonly associated with conditions such as heart failure and fluid overload, not specifically with metabolic alkalosis.
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