A 68-year-old patient is admitted to the critical care unit with reports of midchest pressure radiating into the jaw and shortness of breath when walking up stairs. The patient is admitted with a diagnosis of "rule out myocardial infarction
" When inspecting the patient, the nurse notes that the patient needs to sit in a high Fowler position to breathe. This may indicate a. pericarditis. c. heart failure.
b. anxiety. d. angina.
C
Sitting upright to breathe may be necessary for the patient with acute heart failure, and leaning forward may be the least painful position for a patient with pericarditis.
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The nurse is caring for two patients. An older patient reports abdominal pain as being 5 out of 10 on the pain rating scale, whereas a younger patient reports left lower quadrant abdominal pain as being 10 out 10 on the scale
What would the nurse identify as reason for the discrepancy between the two patients' measurements of pain? 1. Younger patients tend to be more dramatic when complaining of pain. 2. Visceral pain is less severe in older patients and may be reported as mild. 3. Visceral pain is more severe in older patients, but they are less likely to complain. 4. Visceral pain is less severe in younger patients but is reported as high in intensity.
The nurse is educating a high school health and fitness class about substance abuse. One of the group members asks what happens if a pregnant woman is using drugs. The nurse's best replies include which of the following? Choose all that apply
A) Low birth weight B) Premature births C) Regular prenatal care D) Congenital anomalies E) Risk of poor nutrition
You are caring for a child recently admitted to the palliative care unit with end-stage heart disease. Which statement by the parents demonstrates that you need to provide education regarding palliative care?
1. "We want to have our family here with us, are they able to visit outside of visiting hours?" 2. "We want to make sure we are always with our child. Can we sleep in the room?" 3. "We are trying to plan ahead. When do you think our child will be better and able to be discharged?" 4. All of the above
An adolescent patient appears reluctant to discuss sensitive issues with her parents present. What is the nurse's most appropriate intervention?
a. Tell the patient that it is very important to be honest and specific. b. Provide time when the adolescent is alone with the nurse. c. Reassure the patient that anything said in the interview is considered confidential. d. Ask the parents to answer the questions if the patient is not willing to answer.