The nurse is assessing a newly admitted client diagnosed with left ventricular failure.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect during the assessment?
Edema of the lower extremities.
Pulmonary crackles auscultated.
Ascites.
Jugular vein distention.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Edema of the lower extremities suggests right-sided heart failure, not left ventricular failure. Fluid backs up into systemic circulation in right-sided failure, while left-sided failure primarily affects pulmonary circulation. Differentiating between these conditions is essential for targeted management.
Choice B rationale
Pulmonary crackles result from fluid accumulation in alveoli due to left ventricular failure, where decreased cardiac output causes blood to back up into pulmonary vasculature. Crackles indicate pulmonary congestion or edema. Prompt identification aids in early intervention. Normal respiratory assessment excludes crackles.
Choice C rationale
Ascites is more indicative of chronic right-sided heart failure or liver disease, not acute left ventricular failure. Ascites results from systemic venous congestion, which is less common in isolated left-sided heart failure. Differentiating causes helps refine diagnostic focus.
Choice D rationale
Jugular vein distention is associated with elevated central venous pressure, typical of right-sided heart failure or combined heart failure. It does not specifically characterize left ventricular failure. Accurate recognition of findings ensures precise diagnosis and management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Exposure to cold climates does not directly prevent or mitigate symptoms of thalassemia. Thalassemia involves abnormalities in hemoglobin production, leading to anemia. Climate factors do not influence this pathophysiology. The emphasis for management lies in optimizing red blood cell health and addressing anemia-related complications.
Choice B rationale
Increasing oral fluid intake does not have a specific effect on the prevention of thalassemia symptoms. While adequate hydration is essential for overall health, it does not target the underlying genetic causes of hemoglobinopathies, such as mutations in alpha or beta-globin chains.
Choice C rationale
Iron and vitamin B12-rich diets may worsen complications in thalassemia. Individuals with thalassemia, especially those receiving frequent blood transfusions, are at risk of iron overload. B12 supplementation is beneficial only when deficiency exists, but routine intake does not manage thalassemia symptoms.
Choice D rationale
Many medications and substances, such as oxidative drugs, can exacerbate hemolysis or interact with blood transfusion protocols in thalassemia patients. Reviewing these lists helps prevent complications, thereby reducing symptom severity and improving management outcomes.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Asking about medication use for headaches provides insights into pain management strategies but does not directly address underlying causes of symptoms. Vision changes and headaches may indicate neurological or cardiovascular issues, which require immediate investigation of vital signs like blood pressure to rule out hypertension or increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B rationale
Referring the client to an eye specialist addresses vision changes but neglects the acute nature of headaches. Hypertension or elevated intracranial pressure can affect both vision and cause headaches, and immediate assessment of these factors through blood pressure is more urgent.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining blood pressure evaluates for hypertension, which can manifest with headaches and visual disturbances due to increased arterial pressure affecting cerebral and ocular vessels. Normal blood pressure ranges are typically 120/80 mmHg. Immediate blood pressure measurement prioritizes acute care and mitigates potentially life-threatening conditions.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a full history and physical is valuable for comprehensive care but delays immediate assessment of critical symptoms such as visual changes and headaches. Measuring blood pressure provides faster evaluation of acute conditions like hypertensive crisis or stroke risk.
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