Cardiac Angiography
After a femoral cardiac angiography, which pulses should the nurse assess?
Answer:
Dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses.
Rationale:
Distal pulses assess perfusion and can identify arterial occlusion early.
Which assessment finding indicates dehydration in an older adult?
Answer:
Skin tenting on the sternum.
Rationale:
Poor skin turgor is a classic sign of fluid volume deficit.
A patient with asthma has a heart rate of 120 bpm. What does this suggest?
Answer:
Respiratory distress or hypoxia.
Rationale:
Tachycardia is often an early sign of inadequate oxygenation.
Which condition commonly causes respiratory acidosis?
Answer:
Pneumonia.
Rationale:
Hypoventilation causes carbon dioxide retention.
Which finding is associated with left-sided heart failure?
Answer:
Crackles in the lungs.
Rationale:
Blood backs up into the lungs causing pulmonary congestion.
How long should the affected leg remain straight after a femoral angiography?
Answer:
4–6 hours.
Rationale:
Keeping the leg straight prevents bleeding and disruption of the insertion site.
Name three manifestations of dehydration.
Answer:
Dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, tachycardia, hypotension, weak pulses, dark urine.
Rationale:
Loss of fluid causes decreased circulating volume and signs of dehydration.
What is the first nursing intervention for an asthma patient experiencing respiratory distress?
Answer:
Administer oxygen.
Rationale:
Using ABCs, oxygenation is the priority.
A patient has a pH of 7.48 and a PaCO₂ of 30 mmHg. What disorder is present?
Answer:
Respiratory alkalosis.
Rationale:
High pH and low CO₂ indicate excessive ventilation.
Which finding supports right-sided heart failure?
Answer:
Distended neck veins.
Rationale:
Right ventricular failure causes systemic venous congestion.
What complications should the nurse monitor for after a femoral angiography?
Answer:
Bleeding, hematoma, and loss of pulse.
Rationale:
These findings may indicate hemorrhage or impaired circulation.
Which laboratory values are elevated with dehydration?
Answer:
Hematocrit, BUN, and sodium.
Rationale:
Fluid loss concentrates the blood.
What medication is commonly administered during an asthma exacerbation?
Answer:
Bronchodilators.
Rationale:
Bronchodilators open constricted airways and improve airflow.
Which condition commonly causes metabolic acidosis?
Answer:
Diarrhea, renal failure, shock, or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Rationale:
These conditions decrease bicarbonate or increase acid production.
Name three manifestations of left-sided heart failure.
Answer:
Crackles, dyspnea, cough, orthopnea, pulmonary edema.
Rationale:
Fluid accumulates in the lungs.
Which finding should be reported immediately after a left femoral angiography?
Answer:
A faint dorsalis pedis pulse and a cool foot.
Rationale:
These findings indicate impaired perfusion and possible arterial occlusion.
A sodium level of 128 mEq/L indicates what electrolyte imbalance?
Answer:
Hyponatremia.
Rationale:
Normal sodium is 135–145 mEq/L.
What does a "silent chest" indicate in an asthma patient?
Answer:
Severe airway obstruction.
Rationale:
Little or no air movement is a medical emergency.
A patient has pH 7.28 and HCO₃⁻ 16. What acid-base imbalance is present?
Answer:
Metabolic acidosis.
Rationale:
Low pH and low bicarbonate indicate metabolic acidosis.
Name three manifestations of right-sided heart failure.
Answer:
Peripheral edema, JVD, hepatomegaly, weight gain.
Rationale:
Fluid backs up into the systemic circulation.
Why is monitoring distal pulses a priority after a femoral angiography?
Answer:
To detect decreased circulation or arterial occlusion.
Rationale:
Prompt recognition can prevent permanent tissue damage.
What diet should be encouraged in a patient with hyponatremia?
Answer:
Sports drinks, cheese, eggs, and salted foods.
Rationale:
These foods help replace sodium and improve serum sodium levels.
A patient has a respiratory rate of 32 and an oxygen saturation of 89%. What is the nurse's priority action?
Answer:
Administer oxygen.
Rationale:
The patient is hypoxic and requires immediate oxygen therapy.
What treatment may be prescribed for severe metabolic acidosis?
Answer:
Sodium bicarbonate.
Rationale:
Bicarbonate helps correct severe acidosis.
Why do clients with left-sided heart failure experience orthopnea?
Answer:
Lying flat increases pulmonary congestion and shortness of breath.
Rationale:
Fluid redistributes into the lungs when the patient is supine.