The nurse is caring for a client receiving thrombolytic therapy following an acute myocardial infarction (MI). Which nursing problem should the nurse identify as priority for this client?
Risk for injury related to effects of thrombolysis.
Activity intolerance related to ischemia.
Ineffective breathing pattern related to adverse drug effects.
Deficient knowledge related to a new medication regimen.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Clients receiving thrombolytic therapy are at an increased risk of bleeding, which can manifest as internal bleeding, hemorrhage at vascular access sites, gastrointestinal bleeding, or intracranial bleeding. The nurse's priority is to closely monitor the client for signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as sudden onset or worsening of headache, changes in level of consciousness, hematuria, melena, ecchymosis, or hematoma formation.
B. While activity intolerance is a common nursing diagnosis for clients following an acute myocardial infarction due to myocardial ischemia, it is not the priority in this case where the client is actively receiving thrombolytic therapy.
C. While respiratory complications can occur following thrombolytic therapy, such as pulmonary embolism or bleeding into the lungs, the risk of bleeding complications takes precedence as the priority nursing problem for this client.
D. Education about the new medication regimen is important for client understanding and adherence, but it is not the priority nursing problem in the immediate post-thrombolytic therapy period.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Changes in hematocrit (red blood cell count) and blood pressure can indicate potential complications or changes in the client's condition, such as internal bleeding or rupture of the aneurysm. Therefore, communicating hematocrit and blood pressure values would be important for the healthcare provider to assess in this situation.
A. While calcium level and skin condition are important aspects of overall health, they may not be directly relevant to the assessment of low back pain in a client with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Therefore, this information may not be the most critical for the healthcare provider to assess in this specific situation.
C. These parameters are also important for assessing a client's condition, especially in the context of potential infection or systemic inflammation. However, they may not be directly related to the specific symptom of low back pain in a client with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. While changes in white blood cell count and pulse rate could indicate infection or other complications, they may not be the most critical information to communicate in this scenario.
D. While serum amylase levels and level of consciousness are important indicators of pancreatic function and neurological status, respectively, they may not be directly related to the symptom of low back pain in a client with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Therefore, these parameters may not be the most critical information to communicate in this situation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. One of the most common triggers is a distended bladder. When the bladder becomes full, it sends signals to the spinal cord, but due to the injury, these signals are unable to pass beyond the level of injury. This results in uncontrolled sympathetic activation, leading to symptoms such as hypertension, sweating, and headache.
B. Forehead diaphoresis, or sweating, is a potential symptom of autonomic dysreflexia. However, it is more of a consequence rather than a precipitating factor. It occurs as a result of sympathetic nervous system activation in response to the triggering stimulus.
C. Skeletal traction misalignment is not a common precipitating factor for autonomic dysreflexia. Autonomic dysreflexia is typically triggered by stimuli related to visceral or autonomic reflexes, such as bladder distention or bowel impaction, rather than mechanical issues like traction misalignment.
D. A severe pounding headache can occur as a symptom of autonomic dysreflexia, but it is not the primary precipitating factor. The headache is a result of the sudden increase in blood pressure that occurs during autonomic dysreflexia.
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