Which diagnostic test will be most useful to the nurse in determining whether a client admitted with acute shortness of breath has heart failure?

Serum troponin

Arterial blood gasses

12-lead electrocardiogram

B-type natriuretic peptide

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a diagnostic blood test that can be most useful to the nurse in determining whether a client admitted with acute shortness of breath has heart failure.

BNP is a hormone produced by the heart in response to increased pressure and volume in the heart, especially in cases of heart failure. When the heart is under stress, such as in heart failure, it releases BNP into the bloodstream. Elevated levels of BNP are strongly indicative of heart failure, and the test is particularly helpful in differentiating heart failure from other conditions that may present with similar symptoms, such as pulmonary disorders.

When a patient presents with acute shortness of breath, the BNP test can provide valuable information to help guide the diagnosis and treatment. If the BNP level is elevated, it suggests that heart failure is likely the cause of the symptoms, and appropriate interventions can be initiated promptly.

While other diagnostic tests like serum troponin (A) are important for assessing heart damage in conditions like myocardial infarction (heart attack), they may not be as specific for heart failure.

Arterial blood gases (B) are helpful in evaluating gas exchange and acid-base balance, especially in patients with respiratory distress, but they are not specific for diagnosing heart failure.

A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) (C) can provide valuable information about the heart's electrical activity and any signs of acute myocardial infarction or other cardiac abnormalities, but it is not the primary test for diagnosing heart failure. An ECG can support the diagnosis if specific changes suggestive of heart failure are present, but the BNP test provides more direct evidence for heart failure diagnosis.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A 3 lb weight gain in a short period, especially overnight, is indicative of fluid overload in a client with end-stage kidney disease receiving hemodialysis. Hemodialysis is performed to remove excess fluid and waste products from the body. If the client is experiencing fluid overload, it means that their body is retaining more fluid than it should, and this can lead to complications such as pulmonary edema, heart failure, and other cardiovascular problems. The nurse should identify this finding as an indication of potential fluid overload and report it to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.

A. Permanent pacemakers B. Emergency cardioversion C. IV adenosine (Adenocard) D. Anticoagulant therapy

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

When a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy develops new onset atrial fibrillation (AF) that has been unresponsive to drug therapy, the nurse should prioritize patient education about anticoagulant therapy. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of blood clots forming in the heart's atria due to the irregular and ineffective pumping of blood. These blood clots can potentially travel to other parts of the body, leading to serious complications such as stroke.

Anticoagulant therapy, also known as blood-thinning medication, is commonly prescribed for patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent the formation of blood clots. The most common anticoagulant prescribed for AF is warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, or edoxaban. The nurse should educate the patient about the importance of taking the anticoagulant as prescribed and the need for regular monitoring of clotting times (INR for warfarin) to ensure the medication is effective and the dose is appropriate.

While other options listed in the choices may be relevant in specific situations, the priority in this case is to address the potential risk of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation and the importance of anticoagulant therapy to manage that risk effectively.

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Which diagnostic test will be most useful to the nurse in determining whether a client admitted with acute shortness of breath has heart failure?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who has end-stage kidney disease and is receiving hemodialysis. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication the client is experiencing fluid overload?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A patient with dilated cardiomyopathy has new onset atrial fibrillation that has been unresponsive to drug therapy for several days. What topic should the nurse plan to include in patient teaching?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has chronic kidney disease (CKD). The nurse should instruct the client to limit which of the following nutrients? (Select all that apply.)

Which topic will the nurse plan to include in discharge teaching for a client who has heart failure with reduced ejection fraction?

While assessing an older adult client, the nurse notes jugular venous distention (JVD) with the head of the client's bed elevated 45 degrees. What does this finding indicate?

During the 48 hours after a myocardial infarction (MI), a nurse should assign the highest priority to monitoring the patient for what complication?

Which diagnostic test will be most useful to the nurse in determining whether a client admitted with acute shortness of breath has heart failure?

A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas values of a client who has chronic kidney disease. Which of the following sets of values should the nurse expect?

The nurse teaches a student nurse about diagnostic studies used for acute coronary syndrome. Which statement made by the student nurse indicates effective learning?