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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. An endovascular graft procedure is used to treat conditions such as abdominal aortic aneurysms or other vascular issues by placing a graft within the blood vessels. It is not related to the treatment of pericarditis or cardiac tamponade.
B. Pericardiocentesis is a procedure used to remove excess fluid from the pericardial space to relieve pressure on the heart. This is an emergent intervention for cardiac tamponade and would be the appropriate procedure to assist with in this situation. It involves inserting a needle through the chest wall into the pericardial space to aspirate the fluid, which helps to restore normal heart function and improve symptoms.
C. A transesophageal echocardiogram is an imaging procedure used to obtain detailed images of the heart and its structures. While it is useful for assessing cardiac conditions and can help diagnose cardiac tamponade, it is not a treatment.
D. Peritoneal dialysis is a procedure used to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are not functioning properly. It is not related to the management of pericarditis or cardiac tamponade.
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