Nursing Elites

1. A client with myocardial infarction (MI) has been transferred from the coronary care unit (CCU) to the general medical unit with cardiac monitoring via telemetry. The nurse assisting in caring for the client expects to note which type of activity prescribed?

• A. Strict bed rest for 24 hours
• B. Bathroom privileges and self-care activities
• C. Unrestricted activities because the client is monitored
• D. Unsupervised hallway ambulation with distances less than 200 feet

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After being transferred from the CCU to the general medical unit with cardiac monitoring, the client with MI is typically prescribed bathroom privileges and self-care activities. This approach allows for gradual recovery and mobility while still being closely monitored, promoting the client's overall well-being and independence. Choice A, strict bed rest for 24 hours, is too restrictive and not recommended for MI patients as it can lead to complications like deep vein thrombosis. Choice C, unrestricted activities, is also not appropriate as MI patients usually require monitoring and gradual re-introduction to activities. Choice D, unsupervised hallway ambulation with distances less than 200 feet, may be too strenuous for a client who just got transferred from the CCU and needs a more gradual approach to activity.

2. A client with chronic heart failure is being discharged with a prescription for digoxin (Lanoxin). Which instruction should the nurse reinforce?

• A. Take the medication at the same time each day.
• B. Avoid foods high in potassium.
• C. Skip a dose if you feel well.
• D. Take the medication on an empty stomach.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Taking digoxin at the same time each day is essential to maintain a consistent blood level of the medication. This consistency helps optimize the therapeutic effects of digoxin in managing chronic heart failure. Deviating from the scheduled time could lead to fluctuations in drug levels, affecting its effectiveness and potentially causing harm. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because avoiding potassium-rich foods, skipping doses when feeling well, and taking the medication on an empty stomach are not relevant or appropriate instructions for a client prescribed digoxin.

3. After administering nitroglycerin to a client with coronary artery disease (CAD) who reports chest pain, what should be the nurse's next priority action?

• A. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
• B. Monitor the client's blood pressure
• C. Notify the healthcare provider
• D. Administer a second dose of nitroglycerin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct next priority action after administering nitroglycerin to a client with CAD experiencing chest pain is to monitor the client's blood pressure. Nitroglycerin can cause hypotension, so it is crucial to assess and monitor the client's blood pressure for any signs of decreased perfusion or adverse effects. Obtaining a 12-lead ECG may be important but is not the immediate priority. Notifying the healthcare provider and administering a second dose of nitroglycerin should only be considered after ensuring the client's blood pressure is stable.

4. A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). Which diagnostic test is most likely to be ordered to confirm this diagnosis?

• A. Echocardiogram
• B. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• C. Chest X-ray
• D. Complete blood count (CBC)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is the primary diagnostic tool used to confirm a myocardial infarction. An ECG provides immediate information on cardiac function and can show characteristic changes indicative of a myocardial infarction, such as ST-segment elevation or depression. An echocardiogram (Choice A) is useful for assessing heart structure and function but is not typically used as the primary test for confirming an acute myocardial infarction. Chest X-ray (Choice C) may show certain changes in heart size or pulmonary congestion but is not the primary diagnostic test for MI. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) (Choice D) provides information about the cellular components of blood and is not specific to confirming a myocardial infarction.

5. A client with peripheral arterial disease complains of leg pain while walking. The nurse should reinforce which teaching point with the client?

• A. Wear compression stockings daily.
• B. Increase daily walking distance gradually.
• C. Elevate legs above heart level when resting.
• D. Use a heating pad to soothe leg muscles.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For clients with peripheral arterial disease experiencing leg pain while walking, the priority teaching point is to gradually increase daily walking distance. This approach helps improve circulation, build tolerance, and reduce symptoms over time. While compression stockings can be beneficial for circulation, they are not the priority teaching point in this scenario. Elevating legs above heart level when resting is more appropriate for clients with venous insufficiency, not peripheral arterial disease. Using a heating pad is not recommended as it can potentially cause burns or skin damage in clients with compromised circulation.

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