A patient with a chief complaint of palpitations reports excessive alcohol intake over the past 10 years. Which of the following is most useful in understanding the possible relationship between his substance abuse and his symptoms?
a. Prolonged use of alcohol can lead to neurological damage.
b. Increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is associated with daily intake of 2 oz of alcohol.
c. Prolonged use of alcohol can interfere with normal pump function and electrical activity of the heart.
d. Liver disease is a common finding in patients with a history of alcohol abuse.
C
Prolonged use of alcohol can interfere with the normal pumping function and electrical activity of the heart, leading to cardiomegaly, poor left ventricular contractility, ventricular dilatation, palpitations, peripheral edema, and fatigue. Increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is associated with daily intake of 2 oz of alcohol and is a protective factor in the development of coronary artery disease. However, this fact is not related to the patient's complaints of palpitations. Option "d" has no relevance to the patient's complaints and prolonged use of alcohol.
You might also like to view...
What is an expected outcome for a 1-month-old infant with biliary atresia?
a. Correction of the defect with the Kasai pro-cedure b. Adequate nutrition and age-appropriate growth and development c. Increased blood pressure and adherence to a salt-free diet d. Adequate protein intake
The newly licensed nurse is preparing to administer a high dose of androgen to the female client. The nurse manager asks for the rationale. What is the best response by the new nurse?
1. "My client wants to improve athletic performance." 2. "My client has breast cancer." 3. "My client has brain cancer." 4. "My client is planning on sexual reassignment surgery."
Briefly describe DES and when it was used. Why isn't it in use today?
What will be an ideal response?
At which point in the physical examination should the nurse assess a patient's vital signs?
A) After the integumentary status examination B) After the cardiovascular system examination C) After the respiratory system examination D) After the body measurements examination