What should a nurse do to decrease or control the sensory and cognitive disturbances that can occur after a client has open-heart surgery? - answerPlan for maximum periods of rest A client is scheduled to be transferred from the coronary care unit to a progressive care unit. The client asks a nurse, "Are you sure I'm ready for this move?" What does the nurse conclude the client most likely is experiencing? - answerFear A nurse provides teaching regarding vitamin B12 injections to a client with pernicious anemia. The nurse concludes that the teaching was understood when the client states, "I must take the drug: - answerMonthly, for the rest of my life. A client admitted to the hospital has edematous ankles. What should the nurse do to best reduce edema of the lower extremities? - answerElevate the legs. A client hospitalized for heart failure is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin) and will continue taking the drug after discharge. What should be included in the plan of care for the next few days? - answerTaking the apical pulse before drug administration and teaching the client how to count the pulse. The nurse should monitor the client for which clinical finding indicating digoxin toxicity? - answerBlurred vision A client who is scheduled for a modified radical mastectomy decides to have family members donate blood in the event it is needed. The client has type A negative blood. Blood can be used from relatives whose blood is: - answerType A or O negative A client asks a nurse why captopril (Capoten) was prescribed. What specific drug classification should the nurse include in the explanation to the client? - answerAntihypertensive A client who is complaining of severe midsternal pain is brought to the emergency department. The client is diagnosed with a myocardial infarction. Which drug can the nurse expect to be prescribed to control this client's pain? - answerMorphine sulfate (MS Contin) What is the most objective way that a nurse can assess the extent of edema in a client? - answerWeighing the client After sustaining multiple internal injuries when hit by a motor vehicle, a client has a sudden drop in blood pressure to 80/60 mm Hg. What does the nurse determine probably caused this response? - answerReduction in circulating blood volume The nurse is assessing a client for signs of right ventricular failure. What should the nurse expect if this occurs? - answerNeck vein distention The nurse is assessing a client with the diagnosis of chronic heart failure. Which clinical finding should the nurse expect the client to experience? - answerDependent edema in the evening The nurse is providing teaching to a client who is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization via the femoral approach. The teaching includes that the client will be: - answerIn the supine position with the affected leg extended for several hours postprocedure. A nurse is evaluating the results of treatment with erythropoietin (Epogen). Which client response is considered significant? - answerElevation in hematocrit level The nurse provides medication discharge instructions to a client who received a prescription for digoxin (Lanoxin) following the client's myocardial infarction. The nurse concludes that the teaching was effective when the client says, "I should: - answerCheck my radial pulse rate daily. The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing signs and symptoms of a cardiac dysrhythmia who is scheduled to wear a Holter monitor for 24 hours. During the test, the client should be instructed to: - answerKeep a diary of activities A client is recovering from a myocardial infarction. Before developing the client's teaching plan, it is important for the nurse to: - answerIdentify the learning needs of the client A client with bilateral varicose veins of the lower extremities questions the nurse about the brownish discoloration of the lower legs. The best response by the nurse is, "This is probably the result of: - answerLeakage of red blood cells through the vascular wall." A client with impaired peripheral pulses and signs of chronic hypoxia in a lower extremity is scheduled for a femoral angiogram. What would be appropriate for the nurse to include in the postprocedure plan of care? - answerPerform a neurovascular assessment every two hours A client develops a non-healing ulcer of a lower extremity and complains of leg cramps after walking short distances. The client asks the nurse what causes these leg pains. The nurse's best response is: - answer"Pain occurs in the legs while walking because there is a lack of oxygen to the muscles." A client who is receiving a cardiac glycoside, a diuretic, and a vasodilator has been placed on bed rest. The client's apical pulse rate is 44 beats per minute. The nurse concludes that the decreased heart rate most likely is a result of the: - answerCardiac glycoside What should the nurse assess to determine if a client is experiencing the therapeutic effect of valsartan (Diovan)? - answerBlood pressure A client diagnosed with multiple myeloma has been given a poor prognosis. After discharge, the client plans to travel on an airplane and attend sporting events with friends and family. The nurse prepares a discharge teaching plan for this client and includes: - answerPreventing infection; the client is at risk for leukopenia A client admitted to the hospital for chest pain is diagnosed with angina. The nurse should teach the client that the most common characteristic of anginal pain is that it is: - answerRelieved by rest A client is admitted with stage 2 hypertension. What diastolic pressure does the nurse consider to be consistent with this diagnosis? - answer More than 100 mm Hg