The nurse is evaluating the condition of a client after pericardiocentesis performed to treat cardiac tamponade. Which observation would indicate that the procedure was effective?

Muffled heart sounds

Jugular venous distention

Client reports dyspnea

Client expresses immediate relief

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Muffled heart sounds can be a sign of cardiac tamponade, but they should improve after a successful pericardiocentesis.
B.   Jugular venous distention is another sign of cardiac tamponade. If the procedure was effective, the jugular venous distention should decrease.
C.   Dyspnea is a common symptom of cardiac tamponade. If the procedure was effective, the client should experience relief from dyspnea.
D.   This procedure involves draining excess fluid from the pericardial sac, which can provide immediate relief from the symptoms of cardiac tamponade. If the procedure was effective, the client should experience immediate relief from their symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and tachycardia.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. An imaging test that uses sound waves to visualize the heart and its structures. It can help to identify abnormalities in the heart muscle, such as thickening, enlargement, or decreased contractility. Echocardiograms are a valuable tool for diagnosing cardiomyopathy and assessing the severity of the condition.
B. Cardiac enzyme studies are used to diagnose myocardial infarction (heart attack). While they can be helpful in evaluating cardiac function, they are not the most specific test for diagnosing cardiomyopathy.
C. Cardiac catheterization is an invasive procedure that is used to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions. While it can provide valuable information about the heart's function, it is not the most appropriate initial test for diagnosing cardiomyopathy.
D. This procedure is used to treat certain types of arrhythmias. It is not a diagnostic test and would not be appropriate for diagnosing cardiomyopathy.

A. Administer digoxin B. Continue to monitor the client. C. Defibrillate the client. D. Prepare for transcutaneous pacing

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Digoxin is a medication used primarily to treat heart failure and certain types of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation. It works by increasing the force of heart contractions and slowing the heart rate. However, digoxin is not typically used to treat bradycardia and may actually exacerbate the condition by further slowing the heart rate.
B. While monitoring is an essential part of patient care, it is not sufficient alone in this situation. The client’s heart rate is very low (45 beats per minute) and their blood pressure is low (82/60 mm Hg), which suggests they are symptomatic and potentially unstable.
C. Defibrillation is used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. It is not used for sinus bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate rather than a rapid, disorganized rhythm requiring electrical shock.

D. Transcutaneous pacing involves applying external pacing pads to the skin to stimulate the heart and increase the heart rate. This is a suitable intervention for symptomatic bradycardia, especially when accompanied by low blood pressure and dizziness.

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The nurse is evaluating the condition of a client after pericardiocentesis performed to treat cardiac tamponade. Which observation would indicate that the procedure was effective?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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