When taking a health history of a client with suspected aortic stenosis, which symptoms would the nurse anticipate? Select all that apply.
Bloody sputum
Peripheral edema
Dyspnea on exertion
Angina
Syncope
Correct Answer : C,D,E
a. Bloody sputum: Bloody sputum is not typically associated with aortic stenosis. It may be indicative of other conditions such as pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, or bronchitis, but it is not a common symptom of aortic stenosis. Therefore, this symptom is not anticipated.
b. Peripheral edema: Peripheral edema is not a common symptom of isolated aortic stenosis. It is more commonly associated with conditions such as heart failure, where fluid retention leads to swelling in the extremities. Therefore, peripheral edema is not typically anticipated in aortic stenosis.
c. Dyspnea on exertion: Dyspnea on exertion is a classic symptom of aortic stenosis. It occurs due to the narrowing of the aortic valve, which leads to increased resistance to blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta during physical activity. This can result in breathlessness and difficulty breathing during exertion.
d. Angina: Angina, or chest pain, is a common symptom of aortic stenosis, especially in cases where there is concurrent coronary artery disease (CAD). Aortic stenosis can increase myocardial oxygen demand, leading to ischemia and chest pain, particularly during exertion.
e. Syncope: Syncope, or fainting, is a serious symptom of aortic stenosis and indicates severe disease. It typically occurs due to decreased cardiac output during exertion, leading to inadequate cerebral perfusion. Syncope in aortic stenosis is often exertional and may occur with activities such as exercise or even just walking.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
For a client with mitral stenosis who has developed atrial fibrillation, the primary concern is often controlling the heart rate and preventing complications associated with atrial fibrillation, such as thromboembolism.
a. Hydralazine: Hydralazine is an antihypertensive medication that works by dilating blood vessels to lower blood pressure. However, it is not typically used to manage atrial fibrillation. Therefore, this would not be the anticipated drug for this condition.
b. Lorazepam: Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine medication used primarily for its anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and sedative properties. It does not have a direct effect on managing atrial fibrillation or its complications. Therefore, it would not be the anticipated drug for this condition.
c. Enalapril: Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to manage hypertension and heart failure. While it may be beneficial in some cases of heart failure, it is not typically the first-line choice for managing atrial fibrillation. Therefore, it would not be the anticipated drug for this condition.
d. Digoxin: Digoxin is a medication that increases the strength of the heart's contractions and helps control the heart rate in atrial fibrillation. It is often used in patients with atrial fibrillation, especially when there is concurrent heart failure or atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. Therefore, digoxin would be the anticipated drug for managing atrial fibrillation in this scenario.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
a. Aortic regurgitation: Aortic regurgitation involves the backflow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole due to a dysfunctional aortic valve. While aortic regurgitation can cause symptoms such as dyspnea and chest pain, they are typically associated with exertion rather than occurring at rest or unrelated to activity.
b. Mitral valve prolapse: Mitral valve prolapse is characterized by the abnormal movement of the mitral valve leaflets into the left atrium during systole. While mitral valve prolapse can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, chest discomfort, and dyspnea, these symptoms are usually not unrelated to activity. They are often precipitated or exacerbated by physical exertion or stress.
c. Mitral stenosis: Mitral stenosis involves narrowing of the mitral valve opening, which obstructs blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Symptoms of mitral stenosis, such as dyspnea and chest discomfort, typically occur with exertion or during periods of increased cardiac demand rather than being unrelated to activity.
d. Aortic stenosis: Aortic stenosis is characterized by narrowing of the aortic valve opening, which obstructs blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. This obstruction leads to increased pressure in the left ventricle and can cause symptoms such as dyspnea (due to pulmonary congestion) and chest pain (angina) even at rest. These symptoms are often exacerbated during physical activity but can occur spontaneously as well.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.