A patient is recovering from a myocardial infarction (MI). Which of the following complications should the nurse be most concerned about if the patient reports new-onset shortness of breath and irregular heartbeats?
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Hypertension
Heart Failure
The Correct Answer is D
A. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). PAD is a chronic condition related to reduced blood flow in peripheral arteries. It is not directly associated with MI complications.
B. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD involves acid reflux and is not related to post-MI complications.
C. Hypertension. While hypertension is a risk factor for MI, it does not directly explain the symptoms of shortness of breath and irregular heartbeats following an MI.
D. Heart Failure. Heart failure is a common post-MI complication, especially if a significant portion of heart muscle is damaged. Symptoms of shortness of breath and irregular heartbeats could indicate left-sided heart failure, where fluid backs up into the lungs, or right-sided failure, which can lead to systemic congestion.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The client states that they consume a high calcium diet and have had high calcium in their blood. A high calcium diet or hypercalcemia is more associated with kidney stones, not typically with pyelonephritis.
B. The client reports that they had two urinary tract infections (UTI) in the past months. Recurrent UTIs are a risk factor for pyelonephritis, as untreated or recurrent infections can ascend from the bladder to the kidneys, leading to this condition.
C. The client states that they remember their mother saying their grandma had this same genetic disease. Pyelonephritis is not typically a genetic disease but rather an infection of the kidneys, often secondary to urinary tract infections.
D. The client reports that they took a lot of ibuprofen for arthritis for many years. Long-term NSAID use can impact kidney function but does not directly cause pyelonephritis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Warfarin. Warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots, but it typically requires several days to achieve a therapeutic effect and needs close monitoring of INR (International Normalized Ratio) levels. While it can be used for long-term prevention of DVT, it's not the immediate choice for post-operative prophylaxis.
B. Alteplase (tPA). Alteplase is a thrombolytic agent, used to break down existing clots, not prevent their formation. It is typically used in emergency situations, such as for treating ischemic stroke.
C. Clopidogrel. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet agent, often used to prevent arterial clots, not DVTs. It is more commonly used in conditions like stroke and heart disease.
D. Enoxaparin. Enoxaparin, a low molecular weight heparin, is commonly used to prevent DVT after surgery by inhibiting specific clotting factors. It’s frequently prescribed for DVT prevention in orthopedic surgery patients.