The nurse is performing an admission assessment on a client who is being admitted for right- sided heart failure. Which statement made by the patient would be consistent with right-sided heart failure?
"I feel short of breath when I lie down flat."
"The sputum I have been coughing up is pink."
"The nurse I had yesterday said she could hear fluid in my lungs."
"I feel like fluid has been building up in my abdominal area."
The Correct Answer is D
A. This symptom is consistent with orthopnea, which is common in left-sided heart failure rather than right-sided heart failure. In orthopnea, patients experience shortness of breath when lying flat because fluid accumulates in the lungs due to impaired left ventricular function.
B. Pink-tinged or blood-tinged sputum, known as hemoptysis, can occur in left-sided heart failure due to pulmonary congestion and elevated pressures in the pulmonary circulation. This symptom is not typically associated with right-sided heart failure.
C. This finding suggests pulmonary congestion, which is more indicative of left-sided heart failure. In left- sided heart failure, fluid backs up into the lungs, leading to crackles or rales on auscultation.
D. This statement is consistent with right-sided heart failure. In right-sided heart failure, the right ventricle fails to effectively pump blood into the pulmonary circulation, causing fluid to back up into the venous system. This can lead to peripheral edema (such as in the legs and abdomen) and abdominal distension due to ascites (fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Atrial flutter typically presents with a regular atrial rate (usually around 250-350 beats per minute) and a characteristic "sawtooth" pattern of flutter waves (F-waves) on the ECG. This condition would not present with irregular ventricular rates and is less likely based on the ECG findings described.
B. Atrial fibrillation is identified by an irregularly irregular rhythm and the absence of P-waves on the ECG, which is replaced by erratic activity.
C. Unstable angina presents with chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscles, usually related to atherosclerotic plaque rupture or erosion. It does not cause the ECG findings described (absence of P-waves and irregular ventricular rate).
D. PACs are early atrial depolarizations that can cause palpitations but do not typically result in the absence of P-waves or irregular ventricular rates as described in the scenario.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. During chemotherapy, many patients experience nausea, vomiting, and changes in taste or appetite. Spicy and highly-seasoned foods can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms and may not be well tolerated. It's generally recommended to encourage bland, easy-to-digest foods to help maintain adequate nutrition and reduce discomfort.
B. Loperamide is not used to prevent nausea; rather, it is an antidiarrheal medication used to treat diarrhea, which can be a side effect of chemotherapy. Nausea prevention is typically managed with antiemetic medications such as ondansetron, metoclopramide, or others prescribed based on the patient's specific needs and chemotherapy regimen.
C. Pain management is an essential aspect of caring for oncology patients, including those receiving chemotherapy. Cancer and its treatment can cause pain directly or indirectly (such as from procedures or complications). Regular and thorough pain assessments allow for timely intervention and improvement in the client's comfort and quality of life.
D. Chemotherapy medications are typically administered through central venous access devices (e.g., central lines, PICC lines) rather than through peripheral veins. This is because chemotherapy drugs can be vesicants (causing tissue damage if they leak out of the vein) or irritants to smaller peripheral veins.
Using a larger gauge peripheral line (e.g., 18 gauge) is not standard practice for administering chemotherapy due to the potential risks and complications associated with peripheral administration.
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