When performing a focused cardiac assessment on a newly admitted client, the nurse notes a heave on the left side of the chest. What can a heave signify?
Enlargement of the heart ventricle
Turbulent blood flow
Persistently slow heart beat
Extreme pulse deficit
Coronary artery blockage
The Correct Answer is A
A. A heave (or lift) often indicates ventricular hypertrophy or enlargement, suggesting increased workload on the heart.
B. Turbulent blood flow may lead to murmurs but is not specifically associated with a heave.
C. A persistently slow heartbeat is referred to as bradycardia and does not correlate with a heave.
D. An extreme pulse deficit relates to discrepancies between heartbeats and palpable pulses but is not linked to a heave.
E. Coronary artery blockage would not directly produce a heave; it typically leads to ischemic changes.
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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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. In peripheral arterial insufficiency, blood flow is reduced, leading to cooler skin temperatures, especially in the affected extremity.
B. Nail appearance may be unhealthy due to poor perfusion; nails may become thickened or grow slowly.
C. Skin is typically cool and may be dry, not warm, indicating reduced blood flow.
D. A pulse of 2+ is within normal range; however, pulses may be diminished or absent in cases of significant arterial insufficiency.
E. The leg typically does not appear swollen; rather, it may show signs of atrophy or hair loss due to inadequate blood supply.