The nurse is caring for a client who is in the later stages of left-sided heart failure. Which chief complaint would the nurse expect the client to report?

Marked limitation with physical activity but comfortable at rest

Angioedema and urticaria

Increased urine output

Chest pain during sleep that is relieved with nitroglycerin

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   Clients with left-sided heart failure often experience symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention, which limit physical activity. However, they may still feel relatively comfortable when resting.
B.   These symptoms are more commonly associated with allergic reactions or side effects of medications (such as ACE inhibitors) rather than heart failure.
C.   This is not typical in the later stages of left-sided heart failure. In fact, clients may experience reduced urine output due to poor kidney perfusion.
D.   Chest pain can occur due to ischemia, but this is not a hallmark symptom of left-sided heart failure, which is more characterized by dyspnea and fatigue.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Reporting the findings and anticipating a prescription for amiodarone may be necessary later, but the first step is to assess the patient's immediate condition (unresponsiveness, pulse status, etc.).
B. Although increasing monitor sensitivity and initiating a rapid response call might be helpful, these actions come after assessing the patient’s condition. If the patient is in distress or unresponsive, the nurse needs to check for a pulse and intervene right away.
C. This is a crucial action if the patient is unresponsive and pulseless (cardiac arrest). If the patient is found to be unresponsive and pulseless, starting chest compressions immediately and preparing for defibrillation is the next step. However, the first action is to check for pulse and responsiveness.
Why it's incorrect: Compressions and defibrillation are correct actions if the patient is pulseless, but before taking these steps, the nurse must assess the patient for responsiveness and check the carotid pulse. Starting CPR and preparing defibrillation without verifying the patient's condition could delay appropriate care.
D. Checking responsiveness and pulse is the most immediate and critical action because VT may be asymptomatic or cause deterioration, including cardiac arrest. Once pulse and responsiveness are determined, appropriate interventions (such as defibrillation or CPR) can be initiated quickly.

A. There is an increased risk for cardiac dysrhythmias B. There is dilutional hyponatremia and fluid retention C. There is an imbalance in the sodium-potassium pump D. The client is in acute renal failure related to heart failure

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Increased risk for cardiac dysrhythmias: While hyponatremia can sometimes contribute to cardiac dysrhythmias, it's not the primary concern in this case. The main issue is fluid overload.
B. Hyponatremia, or low sodium levels, is often associated with heart failure. In this condition, the heart's reduced pumping ability leads to fluid retention, which dilutes the sodium concentration in the blood.
C. Imbalance in the sodium-potassium pump: While this can contribute to electrolyte imbalances, it's not the direct cause of hyponatremia in heart failure.
D. Acute renal failure: While heart failure can lead to acute kidney injury, hyponatremia is primarily a result of fluid overload rather than kidney dysfunction.

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The nurse is caring for a client who is in the later stages of left-sided heart failure. Which chief complaint would the nurse expect the client to report?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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