A nurse is teaching a group of clients about risk factors for developing atrial flutter. Which of
the following clients should the nurse understand is at highest risk for developing atrial flutter? -
Answers The pt who had a myocardial infarction and required stent placement.
A nurse is teaching a group of clients about risk factors for developing atrial flutter. Which of
the following clients should the nurse understand is at highest risk for developing atrial flutter? -
Answers Adrenocortical insufficiency
Prednisone, a corticosteroid, is similar to cortisol, the glucocorticoid hormone produced by the
adrenal glands. It relieves inflammation and is used to treat certain forms of arthritis, severe
allergies, autoimmune disorders, and asthma. Administration of glucocorticoids can suppress
production of glucocorticoids, and an abrupt withdrawal of the drug can lead to a syndrome of
adrenal insufficiency.
A nurse is providing care for a client following a cardiac arrest due to pulseless electrical activity
(PEA). Which of the following alterations are causes of PEA? - Answers hypovolemia, hypoxia,
hyperkalemia
Hypovolemia is a cause of PEA due to an insufficient blood volume available for the heart to
produce a pulse.
Hypoxia is a cause of PEA due to insufficient oxygenation of the cardiac muscle preventing it
from contracting efficiently.
Hyperkalemia is a cause of PEA due to slowed cardiac conduction, causing poor muscle
contraction.
The nurse is providing care to a client who has survived cardiac arrest Which of the following
manifestations should alert the nurse to the development of PCAS? - Answers Decreased
circulation to the kidneys.
Clients who have survived cardiac arrest can experience systemic issues associated with
ischemia-reperfusion syndrome that negatively impact vascular circulation to the heart, lungs,
kidneys, and brain.
A nurse is educating a client who has a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following
information should the nurse include in the education? - Answers There is an increased risk of
bleeding.
,Clients who have a pulmonary embolism will require anticoagulants which puts them at risk for
bleeding.
The impact on the client's health varies greatly on the size of the emboli and quality of
manifestations caused by the emboli.
A nurse caring for a client who has hypertension and asks the nurse about a prescription for
propranolol. The nurse should inform the client that this medication is contraindicated in clients
who have a history of which of the following conditions? - Answers Asthma
Propranolol, a beta-blocker, is contraindicated in clients who have asthma because it can cause
bronchospasms. Propranolol blocks the sympathetic stimulation, which prevents smooth
muscle relaxation.
Beta-blockers are contraindicated in clients who have cardiogenic shock, and AV heart block.
A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about the epidemiology of sudden cardiac arrest.
Which of the following should the nurse include? - Answers Sudden cardiac arrest is considered
a public health burden worldwide.
The nurse should include the information that sudden cardiac arrest accounts for 15% to 20% of
all natural deaths in adults in the U.S. and western Europe and is a public health burden
throughout the world.
A nurse is caring for a client who has DVT and has been heparin continuous infusion for 5 days.
The provider prescribes warfarin PO without discontinuing the heparin. The client asks the nurse
why both anticoagulants are necessary. Which of the following statements should the nurse
make? - Answers Warfarin takes several days to work, so the IV heparin will be used until the
warfarin reaches a therapeutic level.
Heparin and warfarin are both anticoagulants that decrease the clotting ability of the blood and
help prevent thrombosis formation in the blood vessels. However, these medications work in
different ways to achieve therapeutic coagulation and must be given together until therapeutic
levels of anticoagulation can be achieved by warfarin alone, which is usually within 1 to 5 days.
When the client's PT and INR are within therapeutic range, the heparin can be discontinued.
A nurse is coronary care unit is admitting a client who has had CPR following a cardiac arrests.
The client is receiving lidocaine IV at 2mg/min. When the client asks the nurse why he is
receiving that medication, the nurse should explain that it has which of the following actions? -
Answers Prevents dyshythmias
, Lidocaine is an antidysrhythmic medication that delays the conduction in the heart and reduces
the automaticity of heart tissue.
A nurse is caring for a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The nurse
should identify that which of the following conditions is the most common cause of ARDS? -
Answers Sepsis
A nurse is planning care for a client who has atrial fibrillation and reports heart palpitations,
lightheadedness, and shortness of breath. Which of the following procedures should the nurse
anticipate for this client? - Answers synchronized electrical cardioversion
A nurse is caring a client with ARDS, and requires mechanical ventilation. The client receives a
prescription for a pancuronium. what's the purpose? - Answers Suppress respiratory effort
Neuromuscular blocking agents, such as pancuronium, induce paralysis and suppress the
client's respiratory efforts to the point of apnea, allowing the mechanical ventilator to take over
the work of breathing for the client. This therapy is especially helpful for a client who has ARDS
and poor lung compliance.
A nurse is caring for a client with asthma. Which of the following happens physiologically when
bronchospasm occurs? - Answers Bronchospasm occurs when there is inflammation, edema,
and excess mucus.
A nurse is educating a client who presents with a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following
information should the nurse provide? - Answers Treatment is needed for all clients who have
PE.
Immediate treatment is necessary for all clients who have pulmonary embolism because 30% of
untreated pulmonary embolisms lead to death.
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has atrial fibrillation and reports dizziness and
palpitations. Which of the following should the nurse understand is the cause of these
manifestations? - Answers The heart's electrical signals are rapid, chaotic, and irregular.
A nurse is assessing a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect? - Answers Decreased pulmonary compliance due to
stiffness.
A hallmark manifestation of ARDS is decreased pulmonary compliance due to the stiffness of a
poorly aerated lung.