Which clinical manifestation would the nurse use to best indicate that the status of an elderly client's chronic heart failure condition is Improving?

Heart rate 100 beats per minute

+ 3 peripheral edema

Respiratory rate of 24 at rest

Alert and oriented X 3

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   A heart rate of 100 beats per minute is considered tachycardia (a heart rate above 100 bpm). This is not an indicator of improvement in heart failure, as it suggests the heart is working harder than usual. Chronic heart failure can lead to compensatory mechanisms such as tachycardia, but it’s typically not a sign of improvement.
B.   Peripheral edema (swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet) is a common symptom of heart failure, resulting from fluid buildup due to poor cardiac output. A rating of +3 edema indicates moderate to severe swelling, which suggests fluid retention and poor circulation. This is a sign of worsening or poorly controlled heart failure, not improvement.
C.   A respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute is slightly elevated, as the normal resting respiratory rate for adults is typically between 12 to 20 breaths per minute. A higher respiratory rate can be a sign of respiratory distress or compensatory breathing due to insufficient oxygenation or fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema), which are both symptoms of heart failure exacerbation.
D.   Being alert and oriented X 3 means the client is aware of time, place, and person, indicating no signs of confusion or cognitive impairment. In the context of chronic heart failure, mental status changes (like confusion or disorientation) can occur due to decreased cerebral perfusion, low oxygen levels, or medications (such as diuretics or digitalis.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While privacy may be important for a patient who is emotionally distressed, the priority is addressing
the client’s emotional state, not the physical environment.
B. This might be helpful later, but the priority is to explore the patient's feelings and concerns regarding their condition first. Immediate emotional support is more important at this stage.
C. When a patient expresses feelings of hopelessness, as in this case, the nurse must assess for potential suicidal ideation. This is a priority to ensure patient safety and to provide necessary psychological support or intervention.
D. While reassurance is important, providing false or unrealistic expectations can lead to further disappointment. The nurse should focus on addressing emotional distress and offering realistic support rather than giving definitive assurances.

A. 20-gauge catheter in the right wrist infusing IV antibiotics B. 18-gauge catheter infusing 20 mEq Potassium Chloride IV C. 22-gauge catheter in the left forearm infusing 0.9% Normal Saline D. 20-gauge catheter in the right forearm infusing 0.9% Normal Saline

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. The 20-gauge catheter in the right wrist is not ideal for blood transfusions, as wrist veins are smaller and may be less optimal for high-flow transfusions.
B. An 18-gauge catheter is appropriate for blood transfusions, but the catheter is currently in use for potassium chloride, which would need to be discontinued. The best choice is a separate site.
C. A 22-gauge catheter is not large enough for blood transfusion; it may cause hemolysis or slow the transfusion rate.
D. The 20-gauge catheter in the right forearm is an appropriate size for a blood transfusion and is currently infusing normal saline, which does not interfere with the blood transfusion.

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Which clinical manifestation would the nurse use to best indicate that the status of an elderly client's chronic heart failure condition is Improving?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The physician has just informed a client with advanced heart failure that a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) will be needed. The client is crying and says to the nurse, "I just know that I am going to die. What's the point of treatment?" The priority nursing action is to:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is preparing to start a transfusion of packed red blood cells for a client with a hemoglobin of 5.4 g/dL. (normal Female: 11.7-15.5 g/dL; Male: 14-17.3 g/dL). Which IV site should the nurse use?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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