A patient was admitted for terminal heart failure and is now eligible for a transplant. The family wants everything possible done to maintain life. Which procedure might be offered to the patient for this condition to increase the patient's quality of life?
Coronary artery bypass graft
Percutaneous coronary artery intervention
Nothing, because the patient is in terminal heart failure
Left ventricular assist device (LVAD)
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. A coronary artery bypass graft is used to treat coronary artery disease but is not typically indicated for end-stage heart failure.
B. Percutaneous coronary intervention is also used for coronary artery disease, not for improving quality of life in terminal heart failure.
C. This option dismisses potential interventions that could improve quality of life, such as an LVAD.
D. An LVAD is a mechanical pump that assists the left ventricle in pumping blood, often used as a bridge to heart transplant or as a long-term solution to improve quality of life in patients with terminal heart failure.
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 A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Sudden weight gain can indicate fluid retention, a common early sign of heart failure exacerbation. Prompt reporting allows for early intervention.
B. Nitroglycerin is used to treat chest pain, not specifically to prevent heart failure exacerbations.
C. Assessment of the apical pulse is important, but monitoring weight is more directly related to managing heart failure.
D. Compliance with diuretic therapy is important, but recognizing early signs of fluid retention, such as rapid weight gain, is crucial for preventing exacerbations.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Referring the patient to the physician without addressing the concern may make the patient feel dismissed.
B. While lifestyle changes are important, this response does not address the patient’s emotional concern directly.
C. Encouraging the patient to express their fears allows the nurse to provide emotional support and address any misconceptions or anxieties, which is crucial for holistic care.
D. This response could be seen as dismissive and may not address the patient’s underlying concerns or fears.