The nurse is caring for a patient with muffled heart sounds, jugular venous distention and hypotension. The provider diagnoses the patient with cardiac tamponade. The nurse understands that the priority of treatment for this type of shock is
immediate removal of the cause of obstruction.
patient will be admitted for a cardiac catheterization.
administering furosemide for its diuretic effects.
withholding iv fluids due to fluid overload.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Immediate removal of the cause of obstruction.
Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition caused by fluid accumulation in the pericardium, which compresses the heart. The definitive treatment is pericardiocentesis to remove the fluid and relieve the obstruction.
B. Patient will be admitted for a cardiac catheterization.
While catheterization may be performed later for underlying cardiac disease, tamponade requires urgent intervention, not just admission.
C. Administering furosemide for its diuretic effects.
Diuretics reduce preload, which can worsen hypotension in tamponade by further decreasing cardiac output.
D. Withholding IV fluids due to fluid overload.
IV fluids may be used to maintain preload while waiting for pericardiocentesis. The issue is not volume overload but rather mechanical obstruction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Massive blood loss leading to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues
This describes hypovolemic shock, which occurs due to significant blood or fluid loss (e.g., hemorrhage, severe dehydration). In this scenario, there is no evidence of massive blood loss, making hypovolemic shock unlikely.
B. Severe allergic reaction causing systemic vasodilation and increased capillary permeability
This describes anaphylactic shock, which results from an acute allergic reaction (e.g., to food, medication, insect stings). There is no mention of an allergen exposure or symptoms like wheezing, stridor, or urticaria, making anaphylactic shock unlikely.
C. Infection causing a systemic inflammatory response leading to vasodilation and decreased tissue perfusion
This patient is exhibiting signs of septic shock, which occurs as a result of a severe infection leading to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). The presence of fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, and altered mental status strongly suggests sepsis progressing to septic shock.
D. Cardiac failure resulting in inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation
This describes cardiogenic shock, which occurs due to heart failure (e.g., from myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy). It leads to low cardiac output, pulmonary congestion, and organ hypoperfusion. This patient’s infection and systemic inflammation suggest septic shock, not a primary cardiac event.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Elevate the extremity and apply an ice pack to the injured area
Elevating the extremity can help reduce swelling, but applying ice is not recommended for chemical burns as it can cause further tissue damage.
B. Contact poison control to determine the best neutralizing agent
While contacting poison control is important, it should not be the immediate first action in an emergency setting.
C. Apply a sterile dressing, wrapping the fingers separately
This is important for protecting the wound, but it is not the immediate first action needed for chemical burns.
D. Irrigate the affected area with room temperature water
Immediate irrigation with room temperature water helps to remove the chemical from the skin and dilute its effect, which is the first critical step in managing a chemical burn.
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