When assessing a newly admitted client, the nurse notes a thrill along the left sternal border. To obtain more information about the cause of the thrill, which action will the nurse take next?
Auscultate for any cardiac murmurs
Compare the apical and radial pulse rates
Palpate the quality of the peripheral pulses
Find the point of maximal impulse
Check capillary refill time
The Correct Answer is A
A. Auscultate for any cardiac murmurs is correct, as a thrill often indicates turbulent blood flow, which may correlate with murmurs that can be heard upon auscultation.
B. Comparing apical and radial pulse rates is useful in assessing pulse deficits but does not directly address the cause of the thrill.
C. Palpating the quality of the peripheral pulses does not provide specific information about the thrill's origin.
D. Finding the point of maximal impulse is a useful cardiac assessment but does not directly explain the cause of the thrill.
E. Checking capillary refill time assesses peripheral perfusion but does not relate to the thrill's cause.
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Correct Answer is E
Explanation
A. Cutaneous pain refers to pain from the skin and subcutaneous tissues, which is not described here.
B. Parasympathetic pain is not a recognized category of pain.
C. Visceral pain arises from internal organs and does not typically present as sharp, tingling, or numb.
D. Deep somatic pain is related to muscles, joints, and bones and typically does not have the sharp, tingling quality described.
E. Neuropathic pain is characterized by sharp, tingling sensations and numbness, often resulting from nerve damage, which fits the client's description.
Correct Answer is E
Explanation
A. Calling another nurse for help is unnecessary unless additional assistance is required after initial interventions.
B. Giving pain medication as ordered may address the chest pain but does not address the immediate need for oxygenation.
C. Calling the admitting healthcare provider can be done later if symptoms do not improve, but the immediate priority is to improve oxygenation.
D. Telling the client to remain calm may help reduce anxiety but does not address the low oxygen saturation.
E. Applying oxygen via nasal cannula as ordered is the priority action to improve the client’s oxygen saturation and alleviate hypoxemia, which could be contributing to their chest pain.