The nurse is caring for a client scheduled for a cardiac stress test at 1100. When the nurse enters the client's room at 0800, the client requests toast or at least some coffee. What is the best response?
Explain that no food or drink is allowed for 4 hours before the stress test.
Ask the client's visitor to bring some coffee from the cafeteria for the client.
Make up a small breakfast tray from what is available on the unit.
Offer hot tea or coffee only.
The Correct Answer is A
The best response by the nurse would be to explain that no food or drink is allowed for 4 hours before the stress test.
The reason for this restriction is that consuming food or drink can affect the accuracy of the cardiac stress test results. Eating or drinking can increase heart rate and blood pressure, potentially altering the test's interpretation. It is important for the client to have an empty stomach to ensure accurate test results.
Let's review the other options and explain why they are not the best responses:
Asking the client's visitor to bring some coffee from the cafeteria for the client: This option goes against the restriction of no food or drink before the stress test. It is important to adhere to the guidelines provided to ensure accurate test results.
Making up a small breakfast tray from what is available on the unit: Similarly, providing breakfast to the client goes against the restriction of no food before the stress test. The client should have an empty stomach for the test.
Offering hot tea or coffee only: While hot tea or coffee might be tempting for the client, it still violates the requirement of no food or drink before the stress test. The client should only be allowed to consume water during the fasting period.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
"Have you recently taken any antihistamines?": This question is not directly related to the client's high blood pressure. Antihistamines are medications used to treat allergic reactions and have minimal impact on blood pressure.
"Have there been recent stressful events in your life?": Stress can affect blood pressure levels, so this question is relevant. Stressful events can trigger temporary increases in blood pressure. However, it is important to note that consistently high blood pressure readings require medical attention beyond stress management alone.
"Did you take any acetaminophen today?": Acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) is a pain reliever and fever reducer. It does not have a significant impact on blood pressure levels. Therefore, this question may not directly address the issue of high blood pressure.
"Have you consistently taken your medications?" : This question is the most appropriate follow-up question for a client with a history of high blood pressure. It addresses medication adherence, which is crucial for managing hypertension. The client's blood pressure reading of 210/106 mm Hg suggests that their current medication regimen may not be effectively controlling their blood pressure. Assessing medication consistency will help determine if the elevated blood pressure is due to non-adherence or if a change in medication is required.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should best follow up the assessment finding of an ankle-brachial index (ABI) of 0.40 in the right leg by implementing interventions relevant to arterial narrowing.
An ankle-brachial index is a non-invasive test used to assess peripheral arterial disease (PAD). An ABI value below 0.90 indicates significant arterial narrowing and impaired blood flow to the lower extremities. An ABI of 0.40 suggests severe arterial narrowing, which puts the client at risk for reduced perfusion and potential complications such as tissue ischemia, ulceration, and gangrene.
Implementing interventions relevant to arterial narrowing is crucial in this case. These interventions may include:
- Collaborating with the healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan: This may involve prescribing medications to improve blood flow, such as antiplatelet agents or vasodilators.
- Encouraging lifestyle modifications: This can include smoking cessation, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet low in saturated fats and high in fruits and vegetables.
- Promoting optimal cardiovascular health: This can involve managing other risk factors for arterial narrowing, such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels.
- Educating the client about the signs and symptoms of PAD: This includes teaching them to monitor for changes in skin color, temperature, and sensation in the affected limb, as well as the importance of seeking prompt medical attention if these changes occur.

Let's review the other options:
Assessing the client's use of over-the-counter dietary supplements: While it is important to assess for potential interactions between medications and dietary supplements, this would not be the immediate follow-up action for a severely reduced ABI.
Encouraging the client to increase intake of foods high in vitamin K: While maintaining a balanced diet is important for overall health, increasing vitamin K intake is not specifically indicated for addressing arterial narrowing or improving the ABI.
Adjusting the client's activity level to accommodate decreased coronary output:
Coronary output refers to blood flow to the heart muscle. Arterial narrowing in the leg does not directly affect coronary output. However, it is important to encourage appropriate physical activity for the client based on their overall cardiovascular health and exercise tolerance.
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