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.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Monitoring for occult blood in urine and stool is crucial in clients with low platelet counts to detect any potential bleeding early, as they are at increased risk of bleeding due to thrombocytopenia.
B. Using a large gauge catheter may be necessary for some procedures, but it is not the priority intervention regarding the client’s current state and platelet count.
C. Removing cold and frozen foods from dietary trays does not directly address the critical concern of bleeding associated with low platelet levels.
D. While protecting bruised areas is important, it is secondary to monitoring for active bleeding, which is more critical at this stage.
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.