The nurse is caring for a client after a coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The client is exhibiting pitting edema of the lower extremities and jugular venous distention with increased central venous pressure. Which condition should the nurse suspect the client is experiencing based on these findings?
Internal bleeding.
Right-sided heart failure.
Left ventricular dysfunction.
Cardiac tamponade.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Internal bleeding typically presents with signs of hypovolemia, such as decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate, rather than pitting edema and jugular venous distention.
B. Right-sided heart failure is characterized by fluid overload, leading to symptoms like pitting edema in the extremities and jugular venous distention, which align with the findings observed in this client.
C. Left ventricular dysfunction primarily results in pulmonary congestion and respiratory distress rather than peripheral edema and jugular venous distention.
D. Cardiac tamponade may present with jugular venous distention, but it usually also involves hypotension and muffled heart sounds, which are not described in this scenario.
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 D
Explanation
A. Administering aspirin is not appropriate at this time, as it may delay treatment for a stroke if that is the underlying cause.
B. Maintaining elevated positioning of the dependent joints is not a priority in this acute situation and does not address the immediate needs of the client showing signs of possible stroke.
C. Verifying laboratory tests like prothrombin time and platelet count is important but is not an immediate intervention that addresses the acute condition.
D. Starting two large bore IV catheters and reviewing criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy is crucial because the client presents with signs of a potential stroke. Rapid identification and treatment are essential to improving outcomes in acute ischemic stroke cases.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hemoglobin levels can indicate anemia but are not directly related to the presence of petechiae and ecchymosis, which suggest bleeding issues.
B. The red blood cell count is also important for understanding anemia but does not specifically address the bleeding disorders indicated by the client’s symptoms.
C. The white blood cell count provides information on the immune status but does not relate to bleeding manifestations.
D. The platelet count is critical to assess because petechiae and ecchymosis can be indicative of thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), which can lead to increased bleeding tendencies. Monitoring platelet levels will help determine the cause of these symptoms.