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. Music can be a soothing nonpharmacologic method to reduce pain and may help with relaxation, even for confused patients, as it typically doesn’t require cognitive engagement.
B. Aromatherapy is generally safe and may offer calming effects for older adults without relying heavily on cognitive processing.
C. Heat application is a physical pain relief method, and as long as safety precautions are taken, it can be used effectively in confused patients.
D. Distraction can be a beneficial technique for pain relief and is often effective without requiring cognitive engagement.
E. Guided Imagery should be avoided in confused older adults, as it relies on the patient's ability to follow instructions and visualize mental images, which can be challenging and potentially frustrating for someone with cognitive impairment.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A barrel chest is a common finding in patients with emphysema due to lung hyperinflation but is not immediately life-threatening.
B. A respiratory rate of 22 per minute indicates mild tachypnea, which can be expected in patients with COPD, but is not the most alarming sign.
C. Oral cyanosis is a concerning sign that indicates inadequate oxygenation and can suggest severe respiratory distress or failure, necessitating immediate intervention.
D. Decreased lung sounds on expiration can occur in emphysema but is not as critical as the presence of cyanosis.
E. Pursed-lip expiration is a compensatory mechanism used by patients with COPD to improve breathing efficiency; it is generally a positive adaptive strategy.