The nurse is performing an assessment of a client admitted with left sided heart failure. Which dinical manifestation(s) would the nurse expect to identify? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Tachycardia
Crackles
Ascites
Dyspnea
Peripheral edema
Correct Answer : A,B,D
A) Tachycardia: Tachycardia is commonly seen in left-sided heart failure as the heart attempts to compensate for the reduced cardiac output. To maintain adequate perfusion, the body increases the heart rate. The sympathetic nervous system is activated, causing an increase in heart rate to try to pump blood more efficiently despite the reduced pumping ability of the left ventricle.
B) Crackles: Crackles (also known as rales) are typically heard upon auscultation of the lungs in patients with left-sided heart failure. When the left ventricle fails to effectively pump blood, it causes blood to back up into the lungs, resulting in pulmonary congestion. This leads to fluid accumulation in the alveoli, causing crackling sounds during inhalation.
C) Ascites: Ascites is more commonly seen in right-sided heart failure or in cases of congestive heart failure where both sides of the heart are affected. Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, which is a consequence of right-sided heart failure causing blood to back up into the abdomen. In left-sided heart failure, ascites is generally not a primary symptom unless the failure becomes severe and involves both sides of the heart.
D) Dyspnea: Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is a hallmark symptom of left-sided heart failure. The left ventricle's inability to pump blood efficiently leads to pulmonary congestion, which causes fluid to accumulate in the lungs. This fluid buildup reduces the lung's ability to exchange oxygen, resulting in difficulty breathing, especially on exertion or when lying down (orthopnea).
E) Peripheral edema: Peripheral edema is more characteristic of right-sided heart failure due to the backup of blood in the systemic circulation. While it can occur in cases of biventricular heart failure (both right and left sides of the heart are affected), it is not the primary finding in left-sided heart failure. Left-sided heart failure typically presents with pulmonary symptoms rather than systemic symptoms like peripheral edema.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Prevent the drainage by applying a tight pressure dressing:
Applying a tight pressure dressing is not the appropriate intervention in this case. The presence of fluid draining from the ear, particularly a yellow stain, could indicate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, which is a potential sign of a skull fracture or traumatic brain injury (TBI) involving the base of the skull. Applying a tight pressure dressing could potentially increase pressure or cause further injury.
B) Administer antibiotics due to increased risk of infection:
While there is an increased risk of infection with a CSF leak, antibiotics should not be administered immediately unless there is clear evidence of an infection. The priority action is to identify whether the fluid is CSF, as antibiotics alone will not address the underlying issue of a CSF leak. The nurse should allow the fluid to drain, collect a sample, and notify the healthcare provider for further assessment, which may include imaging or testing for the presence of CSF.
C) Allow fluid to drain from the patient's ear onto gauze and notify the healthcare provider:
The yellow stain around the fluid dripping from the patient's ear suggests the possibility of CSF leakage, a sign of a skull base fracture. CSF leakage may occur after a traumatic brain injury and should be handled carefully. The nurse's priority action is to allow the fluid to drain onto gauze to prevent the buildup of pressure and to prevent further leakage into the ear canal. The nurse should also immediately notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
D) Hang intravenous (IV) fluids to replace fluids lost and prevent dehydration:
While IV fluids may be necessary in some cases for patients with trauma, the priority in this situation is to identify the source and nature of the drainage. If the fluid is CSF, it may be important to manage the leak appropriately rather than focusing solely on replacing fluids. The nurse should first confirm whether the fluid is CSF and notify the healthcare provider for further assessment and management. Replacing fluids may be necessary, but it is not the immediate priority.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Unstable:
Unstable angina is the type of angina most closely related to an impending myocardial infarction (MI). It is characterized by unpredictable chest pain that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion, or that increases in severity or frequency. Unstable angina represents a medical emergency and can progress to an MI if not promptly treated. It occurs when there is increased myocardial oxygen demand and a partially occluded coronary artery, often due to a ruptured atherosclerotic plaque.
B) Variant (Prinzmetal's) angina:
Variant angina, also known as Prinzmetal's angina, is caused by a spasm of the coronary artery, which temporarily narrows or obstructs blood flow. Although it can be severe and may occur at rest, it is typically transient and is not directly related to the development of an MI. Variant angina usually responds to medications such as nitrates or calcium channel blockers, and while it can be dangerous, it is not the most likely type of angina associated with a myocardial infarction.
C) Chronic stable angina:
Chronic stable angina occurs with predictable patterns, typically with exertion or stress, and resolves with rest or nitroglycerin. It does not usually indicate an impending MI, as it is a chronic condition caused by atherosclerosis that limits the heart's blood supply under stress. While chronic stable angina increases the risk of MI over time, it is not directly associated with an imminent heart attack.
D) Nocturnal angina:
Nocturnal angina refers to chest pain that occurs during the night or early morning hours, often during sleep. It may be associated with sleep apnea, GERD, or increased sympathetic tone during sleep. This type of angina is less commonly linked to an impending MI compared to unstable angina, although it should still be evaluated for any underlying cardiovascular issues.
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