The nurse understands that which of the following is a manifestation of aortic stenosis?
Narrowed pulse pressure
Sinus tachycardia
Apical diastolic murmur
S3 heart sound
The Correct Answer is A
A. Narrowed pulse pressure: Aortic stenosis leads to obstruction of blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta during systole, reducing systolic pressure while diastolic pressure remains unchanged or slightly elevated. This results in a narrowed pulse pressure, a classic finding in moderate to severe aortic stenosis.
B. Sinus tachycardia: While tachycardia can occur in response to decreased cardiac output or stress, it is not a defining feature of aortic stenosis. The hallmark findings relate more directly to fixed cardiac output and valve obstruction.
C. Apical diastolic murmur: Aortic stenosis produces a systolic ejection murmur, best heard at the right second intercostal space and radiating to the carotids. An apical diastolic murmur would suggest mitral stenosis or other diastolic valve pathology.
D. S3 heart sound: An S3 is more indicative of volume overload and heart failure rather than valvular stenosis. While advanced aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure, the S3 is not a primary or early manifestation of this condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. BP 105/70 manually & flat neck veins: This blood pressure is within a low-normal range, and flat neck veins suggest no evidence of right-sided heart failure or cardiac tamponade. Though the patient needs evaluation, these findings are not emergent.
B. Equal breath sounds with a respiratory rate of 28: A mildly elevated respiratory rate can indicate distress, but equal breath sounds suggest the absence of pneumothorax or hemothorax. While the patient is symptomatic, this finding alone doesn't demand the most urgent intervention.
C. Distended neck veins & muffled heart sounds: These are classic signs of cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening emergency that can occur due to pacemaker lead perforation. This condition results in fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac, impairing cardiac output and requiring immediate intervention such as pericardiocentesis.
D. Heart rate 105 & respiratory rate of 28: These are signs of physiological compensation and indicate stress or early decompensation. However, without signs like neck vein distention or muffled heart sounds, they are less critical than the findings in option C.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Presence of fine tremors: Fine tremors are not a typical sign of worsening heart failure. They may be associated with medications (like bronchodilators or lithium), metabolic issues, or neurologic disorders, but not directly with heart failure decompensation.
B. Heart rate 50 per minute: Bradycardia may be notable, especially in the context of beta-blocker therapy, but a heart rate of 50 bpm in a stable patient is not necessarily a sign of worsening heart failure unless accompanied by symptoms like dizziness or hypotension.
C. +1 peripheral edema: Mild peripheral edema is often chronic and common in older adults with heart failure. It does not reliably indicate worsening status unless there is a significant increase in edema or associated weight gain and pulmonary symptoms.
D. Increased confusion: Older adults are more susceptible to changes in cognitive function due to decreased cardiac output in worsening heart failure. New or worsening confusion in older adults is a key sign of decreased cerebral perfusion and may signal worsening heart failure. It can also indicate hypoxia or electrolyte imbalance, making it a critical finding that warrants immediate evaluation.
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