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.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Initiation of a high-sodium diet. A high-sodium diet is not indicated in pulmonary embolism management; it could worsen fluid retention and cardiovascular strain.
B. Application of a cast to the affected limb. Casting is not appropriate for pulmonary embolism, as it is not an orthopedic injury. Immobilization could increase the risk of further clot formation.
C. Administration of anticoagulant therapy. Anticoagulant therapy, such as heparin or warfarin, is the primary treatment for pulmonary embolism to prevent further clot formation and allow the body to dissolve the clot.
D. Administration of bronchodilators. Bronchodilators may alleviate respiratory symptoms but do not treat the underlying clot in pulmonary embolism. Anticoagulation remains the primary treatment.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Loss of pain, temperature, and light touch sensation on the same side as the injury. In Brown-Sequard syndrome, pain, temperature, and light touch are typically lost on the opposite (contralateral) side of the injury.
B. Loss of motor function and deep pressure sensation on the opposite side of the injury. Motor function and deep pressure sensation loss occur on the same side (ipsilateral) as the injury.
C. Loss of motor function and position sense on the same side as the injury. Brown-Sequard syndrome is a spinal cord hemisection injury leading to loss of motor function and proprioception on the same side as the injury.
D. Loss of motor function with preserved pain and temperature sensation in the lower extremities. Pain and temperature sensations are lost on the opposite side of the injury in Brown-Sequard syndrome, not preserved.