A nurse is administering heparin, subcutaneous twice daily, to a patient in cardiogenic shock. What is the expected action of this drug?
a. Inotropic to improve cardiac contractibil-ity
b. Anticoagulant to prevent blood clots
c. Antidysrhythmic to restore normal cardiac contractibility
d. Vasopressor to increase blood pressure
B
Cardiogenic shock may produce clots because of blood stasis, and the heparin will delay clot formation.
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The nurse can expect to note several changes in the skin of the older adult. Which of the following are particularly important to assess as potential effects of these changes:(Select all that apply) Standard Text: Select all that apply
1. Body temperature 2. Lentigo senilis 3. Hydration 4. Ridges in nails 5. Hair changes
The nurse is caring for a client with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Which assessment finding is most likely to indicate a dissection of the aneurysm?
A) Severe back pain B) Hematemesis C) Rectal bleeding D) Hypertensive Crisis
The nurse is applying the blood pressure cuff on a client's arm. Which action would be most appropriate?
A) The cuff is wrapped loosely around the arm. B) The cuff is placed about 1 inch above the antecubital area. C) The bladder inside the cuff encircles 50% of the arm circumference. D) The cuff starts to be wrapped at the end of the bladder.
Persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is diagnosed in a patient who has valvular disease, and the cardiologist has prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). The patient is scheduled for electrical cardioversion in 3 weeks
The patient asks the primary care nurse practitioner (NP) why the procedure is necessary. The NP should tell the patient: a. this medication prevents clots but does not alter rhythm. b. if the medication proves effective, the procedure may be canceled. c. there are no medications that alter the arrhythmia causing AF. d. to ask the cardiologist if verapamil may be ordered instead of cardioversion.