Which patient statement supports a history of intermittent claudication?
I get short of breath when I climb a lot of stairs.
My fingers hurt when I go outside in cold weather.
My legs cramp when I walk more than a block.
When I stand too long, my feet start to swell.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Shortness of breath on stairs suggests cardiopulmonary issues, not intermittent claudication. Claudication is leg pain from arterial insufficiency during activity, not dyspnea, which reflects lung or heart strain.
Choice B reason: Finger pain in cold weather points to Raynaud’s or vasospasm, not claudication. Intermittent claudication affects lower limbs from arterial occlusion, not upper extremities or temperature-related vasomotor changes.
Choice C reason: Leg cramping after walking a block is classic intermittent claudication, from reduced blood flow in peripheral artery disease. Pain with activity, relieved by rest, matches its ischemic pathophysiology perfectly.
Choice D reason: Foot swelling from standing suggests venous stasis or edema, not claudication. Claudication involves arterial insufficiency causing pain with exertion, not fluid accumulation from prolonged static posture.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Daily alcohol use may amplify propranolol’s CNS depression, but it’s not a contraindication. It warrants monitoring for sedation, yet hypertension treatment proceeds, as no direct physiologic conflict exists with beta-blockade.
Choice B reason: Asthma contraindicates propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker, as it blocks β2 receptors, causing bronchoconstriction. This risks severe airway obstruction in asthmatics, prompting consultation for a cardioselective alternative like atenolol.
Choice C reason: Peptic ulcer disease isn’t affected by propranolol directly; beta-blockers don’t alter gastric acid. It’s not a contraindication, though stress-related hypertension management might consider other factors, not this drug.
Choice D reason: Post-MI, propranolol reduces myocardial demand, aiding recovery. It’s beneficial, not contraindicated, lowering reinfarction risk via β1 blockade, so no consultation is needed unless acute decompensation occurs.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Blood pressure of 164/98 mmHg is elevated but not immediately life-threatening in respiratory failure. It may reflect stress or chronic hypertension, less urgent than neurologic changes signaling CO2 narcosis.
Choice B reason: Oxygen saturation of 90% is low but manageable with oxygen therapy in respiratory failure. It’s concerning, yet less critical than somnolence, which indicates severe CO2 retention requiring urgent intervention.
Choice C reason: Weakness is nonspecific in respiratory failure, possibly from hypoxia or fatigue. It’s not as immediately alarming as somnolence, which directly reflects brain suppression from high PaCO2, needing prompt reporting.
Choice D reason: Somnolence and difficulty arousing signal CO2 narcosis from hypercapnia (high PaCO2), a medical emergency. It indicates respiratory acidosis impairing brain function, requiring immediate provider notification for ventilatory support.
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