While admitting a patient with pericarditis, what manifestations of this disorder should the nurse assess for?
Prolonged PR intervals.
Clubbing of the fingers.
Widened pulse pressure.
Pulsus paradoxus.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Prolonged PR intervals occur with first-degree AV block, not typically with pericarditis.
Choice B rationale
Clubbing of the fingers is a loss of the normal angle between the base of the nail and the skin. This finding can be found in endocarditis, congenital defects, and/or prolonged oxygen deficiency. It is not a typical manifestation of pericarditis.
Choice C rationale
Widened pulse pressure occurs with valvular heart disease, not typically with pericarditis.
Choice D rationale
Pulsus paradoxus is a sign of cardiac tamponade, a serious complication of pericarditis. As the compression of the heart increases, decreased left atrial filling decreases cardiac output.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Propranolol (Inderal) is a beta-adrenergic receptor blocker, also known as a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers can increase airway reactivity and may interfere with the activity of beta-agonists. They should be used with great caution or not at all in patients with chronic asthma.
However, beta blockers are safe for use in most patients with COPD, but less so in patients with asthma. Therefore, Propranolol (Inderal) is not recommended for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
Choice B rationale
Captopril (Capoten) is an ACE inhibitor, which is among the most widely used antihypertensive drugs. They are not contraindicated in asthma or COPD, but they can induce a bothersome cough that, although not damaging to the lungs, can be confused with cough due to underlying pulmonary diseases such as asthma and COPD1.
Choice C rationale
Diltiazem (Cardizem) is a calcium antagonist. There is no specific contraindication for using calcium antagonists in patients with COPD or asthma. These medications work by relaxing the muscles of your heart and blood vessels, but they do not have a direct effect on airway reactivity or lung function.
Choice D rationale
Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) is a diuretic. Diuretics help your body get rid of excess salt and water, primarily by stimulating your kidneys. They do not have a direct effect on airway reactivity or lung function, and there is no specific contraindication for using them in patients with COPD or asthma.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
This sequence is incorrect because it suggests that blood goes from the lungs to the pulmonary artery, which is not accurate. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.
Choice B rationale
This sequence is incorrect because it suggests that blood goes from the pulmonary vein to the lungs, which is not accurate. The pulmonary vein carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.
Choice C rationale
This sequence correctly describes the direction of blood flow through the heart and lungs. Deoxygenated blood enters the right atrium, goes to the right ventricle, then is sent to the lungs via the pulmonary artery. After picking up oxygen in the lungs, the blood returns to the heart via the pulmonary vein, entering the left atrium, then the left ventricle, from where it is pumped out to the rest of the body.
Choice D rationale
This sequence is incorrect because it suggests that blood goes from the pulmonary vein to the pulmonary artery, which is not accurate. The pulmonary vein carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart, and the pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.
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