The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with pericarditis. What serious complication should this patient be monitored for?

Left ventricular hypertrophy

Increased cardiac output

Cardiac tamponade

Hypertension

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) refers to the thickening of the walls of the left ventricle, which often results from chronic high blood pressure or other conditions that increase the workload on the heart. While LVH is an important cardiac issue, it is not a direct complication of pericarditis.
B.   Increased cardiac output (the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute) is generally not a direct complication of pericarditis. In fact, pericarditis often affects cardiac output in a different way.
C.   Cardiac tamponade is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of pericarditis. It occurs when fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, exerting pressure on the heart and impeding its ability to fill and pump effectively. This condition can lead to reduced cardiac output, hypotension, and symptoms of shock.
D.   Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a common condition that can contribute to a range of cardiovascular issues, but it is not a direct complication of pericarditis.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that is not directly related to Group A streptococcal pharyngitis.
B. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of Group A streptococcal pharyngitis, but they are not the most serious complication.
C. A serious complication of untreated Group A streptococcal pharyngitis, rheumatic fever can cause inflammation of the heart, joints, skin, and brain. With prompt antibiotic treatment, the risk of developing rheumatic fever can be significantly reduced.
D. Fatigue and malaise are common symptoms of many illnesses, including Group A streptococcal pharyngitis. However, the most serious complication of untreated Group A streptococcal pharyngitis is rheumatic fever.

A. Resume activities that can cause jolting, such as horseback riding, after 4 weeks. B. Request to be scanned with a handheld metal detector when in the airport. C. Do not have a microwave oven in the home D. Report hiccups to the provider E. Count your pulse for 1 min each morning. F. Do not wear tight clothing over the insertion area.

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E","F"]

Explanation

A. Patients with a newly inserted pacemaker are generally advised to avoid high-impact activities or those that can cause jolting or trauma to the chest area for a period longer than 4 weeks, usually around 6 to 8 weeks.
B. Metal detectors can interfere with the pacemaker's function, so it's important to inform airport security personnel about the device.
C. This instruction is outdated and generally unnecessary. Modern pacemakers are not affected by microwave ovens, and there is no need to avoid having one in the home. Microwaves emit radiation that does not interfere with pacemaker function.
D. Hiccups can be a sign of pacemaker malfunction and should be reported to the healthcare provider.
E. Monitoring the pulse rate can help to detect any changes in heart rhythm that may indicate pacemaker malfunction.
F. Tight clothing can restrict movement and irritate the skin around the insertion site.

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The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with pericarditis. What serious complication should this patient be monitored for?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient has been diagnosed with Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis. The nurse recognizes the need for antibiotic therapy to help prevent the development of which serious condition

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client who is postoperative following the insertion of a permanent pacemaker. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E","F"]

Explanation

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