The nurse is obtaining a health history from a 24-year-old patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Which information obtained by the nurse is most important in planning care?
The patient had a recent upper respiratory infection.
The patient has a family history of coronary artery disease.
The patient's 29-yr-old brother died from a sudden cardiac arrest.
The patient reports using cocaine "a few times" as a teenager.
The Correct Answer is C
A. While a recent upper respiratory infection might be relevant to overall health and could potentially influence cardiac symptoms, it is not as directly pertinent to the management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. HCM is primarily a genetic condition affecting the heart muscle, and a recent infection does not significantly impact the primary concerns related to HCM.
B. A family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) can be relevant, but it is less directly related to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy than other factors. CAD involves the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries and can lead to other cardiac issues, but HCM is more specifically associated with genetic factors and structural heart abnormalities rather than CAD.
C. This information is very important for planning care for the patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A family history of sudden cardiac death, particularly at a young age, raises significant concerns about the genetic nature of the condition and the potential for similar outcomes.
D. Cocaine use can have serious cardiovascular effects and might contribute to other heart issues, but its relevance in the context of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is less direct. While substance abuse is a concern, it is not as critical in understanding or managing the risk associated with HCM compared to a family history of sudden cardiac arrest.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to manage fluid overload, often seen in conditions like heart failure. While it can be helpful for patients with heart failure or fluid retention, it is not a primary medication for the acute management of STEMI.
B. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator used to relieve chest pain and reduce myocardial oxygen demand by decreasing the workload of the heart. It is commonly administered to patients with STEMI to manage angina and help improve blood flow to the heart.
C. Aspirin is a crucial medication in the management of STEMI. It works by inhibiting platelet aggregation, which helps to prevent further clot formation in the coronary arteries. Aspirin is typically given as soon as a myocardial infarction is diagnosed to minimize the extent of heart damage and reduce the risk of further thrombotic events.
D. Penicillin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is not used in the management of STEMI because myocardial infarctions are not caused by bacterial infections. Penicillin would not be relevant for treating or managing a STEMI.
E. Morphine is an opioid analgesic used to relieve severe pain associated with STEMI. It helps reduce pain, anxiety, and myocardial oxygen demand by causing vasodilation. It also helps manage symptoms and improve patient comfort.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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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