Chapter 34: Heart Failure Lewis: Medical-Surgical Nursing, 10th Edition.

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Chapter 34: Heart Failure Lewis: Medical-Surgical Nursing, 10th Edition MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. While assessing a 68-yr-old with ascites, the nurse also notes jugular venous distention (JVD) with... the head of the patient’s bed elevated 45 degrees. The nurse knows this finding indicates a. decreased fluid volume. c. increased right atrial pressure. b. jugular vein atherosclerosis. d. incompetent jugular vein valves. ANS: C The jugular veins empty into the superior vena cava and then into the right atrium, so JVD with the patient sitting at a 45-degree angle reflects increased right atrial pressure. JVD is an indicator of excessive fluid volume (increased preload), not decreased fluid volume. JVD is not caused by incompetent jugular vein valves or atherosclerosis. DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (comprehension) REF: 739 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 2. The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving IV furosemide (Lasix) and morphine for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) with severe orthopnea. Which clinical finding is the best indicator that the treatment has been effective? a. Weight loss of 2 lb in 24 hours b. Hourly urine output greater than 60 mL c. Reduction in patient complaints of chest pain d. Reduced dyspnea with the head of bed at 30 degrees ANS: D Because the patient’s major clinical manifestation of ADHF is orthopnea (caused by the presence of fluid in the alveoli), the best indicator that the medications are effective is a decrease in dyspnea with the head of the bed at 30 degrees. The other assessment data may also indicate that diuresis or improvement in cardiac output has occurred but are not as specific to evaluating this patient’s response. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 742 TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 3. Which topic will the nurse plan to include in discharge teaching for a patient with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)? a. Need to begin an aerobic exercise program several times weekly b. Use of salt substitutes to replace table salt when cooking and at the table c. Importance of making an annual appointment with the health care provider d. Benefits and side effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors ANS: D The core measures for the treatment of heart failure established by The Joint Commission indicate that patients with an ejection fraction below 40% should receive an ACE inhibitor to decrease the progression of heart failure. Aerobic exercise may not be appropriate for a patient with this level of heart failure, salt substitutes are not usually recommended because of the risk of hyperkalemia, and the patient will need to see the primary care provider more frequently than annually. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 737 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 4. IV sodium nitroprusside is ordered for a patient with acute pulmonary edema. During the first hours of administration, the nurse will need to titrate the nitroprusside rate down if the patient develops a. ventricular ectopy. c. a systolic BP below 90 mm Hg. b. a dry, hacking cough. d. a heart rate below 50 beats/min. ANS: C Sodium nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator and the major adverse effect is severe hypotension. Coughing and bradycardia are not adverse effects of this medication. Nitroprusside does not cause increased ventricular ectopy. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 745 TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 5. A patient who has chronic heart failure tells the nurse, “I was fine when I went to bed, but I woke up in the middle of the night feeling like I was suffocating!” The nurse will document this assessment finding as a. orthopnea. c. paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. b. pulsus alternans. d. acute bilateral pleural effusion. ANS: C Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is caused by the reabsorption of fluid from dependent body areas when the patient is sleeping and is characterized by waking up suddenly with the feeling of suffocation. Pulsus alternans is the alteration of strong and weak peripheral pulses during palpation. Orthopnea indicates that the patient is unable to lie flat because of dyspnea. Pleural effusions develop over a longer time period. DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (comprehension) REF: 742 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 6. During a visit to a 78-yr-old patient with chronic heart failure, the home care nurse finds that the patient has ankle edema, a 2-kg weight gain over the past 2 days, and complains of “feeling too tired to get out of bed.” Based on these data, a correct nursing diagnosis for the patient is a. activity intolerance related to fatigue. b. impaired skin integrity related to edema. c. disturbed body image related to weight gain. d. impaired gas exchange related to dyspnea on exertion. ANS: A The patient’s statement supports the diagnosis of activity intolerance. There are no data to support the other diagnoses, although the nurse will need to assess for additional patient problems. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 750 TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 7. The nurse working on the heart failure unit knows that teaching an older female patient with newly diagnosed heart failure is effective when the patient states that a. she will take furosemide (Lasix) every day at bedtime. b. the nitroglycerin patch is to be used when chest pain develops. c. she will call the clinic if her weight goes up 3 pounds in 1 week. d. an additional pillow can help her sleep if she is short of breath at night. ANS: C Teaching for a patient with heart failure includes information about the need to weigh daily and notify the health care provider about an increase of 3 lb in 2 days or 3 to 5 lb in a week. Nitroglycerin patches are used primarily to reduce preload (not to prevent chest pain) in patients with heart failure and should be used daily, not on an “as needed” basis. Diuretics should be taken earlier in the day to avoid nocturia and sleep disturbance. The patient should call the clinic if increased orthopnea develops rather than just compensating by further elevating the head of the bed. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 744 TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 8. When teaching the patient with newly diagnosed heart failure about a 2000-mg sodium diet, the nurse explains that foods to be restricted include a. canned and frozen fruits. c. fresh or frozen vegetables. b. yogurt and milk products. d. eggs and other high-protein foods. ANS: B Yogurt and milk products (e.g., cheese) naturally contain a significant amount of sodium, and the intake of these should be limited for patients on a diet that limits sodium to 2000 mg daily. The other foods listed have minimal levels of sodium and can be eaten without restriction. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 749 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 9. The nurse plans discharge teaching for a patient with chronic heart failure who has prescriptions for digoxin (Lanoxin) and hydrochlorothiazide. Appropriate instructions for the patient include a. limit dietary sources of potassium. b. take the hydrochlorothiazide before bedtime. c. notify the health care provider if nausea develops. d. take the digoxin if the pulse is below 60 beats/min. ANS: C Nausea is an indication of digoxin toxicity and should be reported so that the provider can assess the patient for toxicity and adjust the digoxin dose, if necessary. The patient will need to include potassium-containing foods in the diet to avoid hypokalemia. Patients should be taught to check their pulse daily before taking the digoxin and if the pulse is less than 60 beats/min, to call their provider before taking the digoxin. Diuretics should be taken early in the day to avoid sleep disruption. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 748 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 10. While admitting an 82-yr-old patient with acute decompensated heart failure to the hospital, the nurse learns that the patient lives alone and sometimes confuses the “water pill” with the “heart pill.” When planning for the patient’s discharge the nurse will facilitate a a. plan for around-the-clock care. b. consultation with a psychologist. c. transfer to a long-term care facility. d. referral to a home health care agency. ANS: D The data about the patient suggest that assistance in developing a system for taking medications correctly at home is needed. A home health nurse will assess the patient’s home situation and help the patient develop a method for taking the two medications as directed. There is no evidence that the patient requires services such as a psychologist consult, long- term care, or around-the-clock home care. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 752 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 11. Following an acute myocardial infarction, a previously healthy 63-yr-old develops clinical manifestations of heart failure. The nurse anticipates discharge teaching will include information about a. -Adrenergic blockers. b. calcium channel blockers. c. digitalis and potassium therapy regimens. d. angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ANS: D ACE inhibitor therapy is currently recommended to prevent the development of heart failure in patients who have had a myocardial infarction and as a first-line therapy for patients with chronic heart failure. Digoxin therapy for heart failure is no longer considered a first-line measure, and digoxin is added to the treatment protocol when therapy with other drugs such as ACE-inhibitors, diuretics, and -adrenergic blockers is insufficient. Calcium channel blockers are not generally used in the treatment of heart failure. The -adrenergic blockers are not used as initial therapy for new onset heart failure. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 745 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 12. A 53-yr-old patient with stage D heart failure and type 2 diabetes asks the nurse whether heart transplant is a possible therapy. Which response by the nurse is most accurate? a. “Your heart failure has not reached the end stage yet.” b. “You could not manage the multiple complications of that surgery.” c. “The suitability of a heart transplant for you depends on many factors.” d. “Because you have diabetes, you would not be a heart transplant candidate.” ANS: C Indications for a heart transplant include end-stage heart failure (stage D), but other factors such as coping skills, family support, and patient motivation to follow the rigorous posttransplant regimen are also considered. Patients with diabetes who have well-controlled blood glucose levels may be candidates for heart transplant. Although heart transplants can be associated with many complications, there are no data to suggest that the patient could not manage the care. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 753 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 13. Which diagnostic test will be most useful to the nurse in determining whether a patient admitted with acute shortness of breath has heart failure? a. Serum troponin c. B-type natriuretic peptide b. Arterial blood gases d. 12-lead electrocardiogram ANS: C B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is secreted when ventricular pressures increase, as they do with heart failure. Elevated BNP indicates a probable or very probable diagnosis of heart failure. A 12-lead electrocardiogram, arterial blood gases, and troponin may also be used in determining the causes or effects of heart failure but are not as clearly diagnostic of heart failure as BNP. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 740 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 14. Which action should the nurse include in the plan of care when caring for a patient admitted with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) who is receiving nesiritide (Natrecor)? a. Monitor blood pressure frequently. b. Encourage patient to ambulate in room. c. Titrate nesiritide slowly before stopping. d. Teach patient about home use of the drug. ANS: A Nesiritide is a potent arterial and venous dilator, and the major adverse effect is hypotension. Because the patient is likely to have orthostatic hypotension, the patient should not be encouraged to ambulate. Nesiritide does not require titration and is used for ADHF but not in a home setting. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 744 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 15. A patient with heart failure has a new order for captopril 12.5 mg PO. After giving the first dose and teaching the patient about the drug, which statement by the patient indicates that teaching has been effective? a. “I will be sure to take the medication with food.” b. “I will need to eat more potassium-rich foods in my diet.” c. “I will call for help when I need to get up to use the bathroom.” d. “I will expect to feel more short of breath for the next few days.” ANS: C Captopril can cause hypotension, especially after the initial dose, so it is important that the patient not get up out of bed without assistance until the nurse has had a chance to evaluate the effect of the first dose. The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are potassium sparing, and the nurse should not teach the patient to purposely increase sources of dietary potassium. Increased shortness of breath is expected with the initiation of -adrenergic blocker therapy for heart failure, not for ACE inhibitor therapy. ACE inhibitors are best absorbed when taken an hour before eating. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 747 TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 16. A patient who has just been admitted with pulmonary edema is scheduled to receive the following medications. Which medication should the nurse question before giving? a. captopril 25 mg c. digoxin (Lanoxin) 0.125 mg b. furosemide (Lasix) 60 mg d. carvedilol (Coreg) 3.125 mg ANS: D Although carvedilol is appropriate for the treatment of chronic heart failure, it is not used for patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) because of the risk of worsening the heart failure. The other drugs are appropriate for the patient with ADHF. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 748 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 17. A patient with a history of chronic heart failure is admitted to the emergency department with severe dyspnea and a dry, hacking cough. Which action should the nurse do first? a. Auscultate the abdomen. c. Auscultate the breath sounds. b. Check the capillary refill. d. Ask about the patient’s allergies. ANS: C This patient’s severe dyspnea and cough indicate that acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is occurring. ADHF usually manifests as pulmonary edema, which should be detected and treated immediately to prevent ongoing hypoxemia and cardiac/respiratory arrest. The other assessments will provide useful data about the patient’s volume status and also should be accomplished rapidly, but detection (and treatment) of pulmonary complications is the priority. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 742 OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 18. A patient with chronic heart failure who is taking a diuretic and an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and who is on a low-sodium diet tells the home health nurse about a 5-lb weight gain in the past 3 days. The nurse’s priority action will be to a. have the patient recall the dietary intake for the past 3 days. b. ask the patient about the use of the prescribed medications. c. assess the patient for clinical manifestations of acute heart failure. d. teach the patient about the importance of restricting dietary sodium. ANS: C The 5-lb weight gain over 3 days indicates that the patient’s chronic heart failure may be worsening. It is important that the patient be assessed immediately for other clinical manifestations of decompensation, such as lung crackles. A dietary recall to detect hidden sodium in the diet, reinforcement of sodium restrictions, and assessment of medication compliance may be appropriate interventions but are not the first nursing actions indicated. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 749 OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 19. A patient in the intensive care unit with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) complains of severe dyspnea and is anxious, tachypneic, and tachycardic. Several drugs have been ordered for the patient. The nurse’s priority action will be to a. give PRN IV morphine sulfate 4 mg. b. give PRN IV diazepam (Valium) 2.5 mg. c. increase nitroglycerin infusion by 5 mcg/min. d. increase dopamine infusion by 2 mcg/kg/min. ANS: A Morphine improves alveolar gas exchange, improves cardiac output by reducing ventricular preload and afterload, decreases anxiety, and assists in reducing the subjective feeling of dyspnea. Diazepam may decrease patient anxiety, but it will not improve the cardiac output or gas exchange. Increasing the dopamine may improve cardiac output, but it will also increase the heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption. Nitroglycerin will improve cardiac output and may be appropriate for this patient, but it will not directly reduce anxiety and will not act as quickly as morphine to decrease dyspnea. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 745 OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 20. After receiving change-of-shift report on four patients admitted to a heart failure unit, which patient should the nurse assess first? a. A patient who reported dizziness after receiving the first dose of captopril b. A patient who is cool and clammy, with new-onset confusion and restlessness c. A patient who has crackles bilaterally in the lung bases and is receiving oxygen. d. A patient who is receiving IV nesiritide (Natrecor) and has a blood pressure of 100/62 ANS: B The patient who has “wet-cold” clinical manifestations of heart failure is perfusing inadequately and needs rapid assessment and changes in management. The other patients also should be assessed as quickly as possible but do not have indications of severe decreases in tissue perfusion. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 742 OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization | Special Questions: Multiple Patients TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 21. Which assessment finding in a patient admitted with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) requires the most immediate action by the nurse? a. O2 saturation of 88% c. Heart rate of 106 beats/min b. Weight gain of 1 kg (2.2 lb) d. Urine output of 50 mL over 2 hours ANS: A A decrease in O2 saturation to less than 92% indicates hypoxemia, and the nurse should start supplemental O2 immediately. An increase in apical pulse rate, 1-kg weight gain, and decreases in urine output also indicate worsening heart failure and require nursing actions, but the low O2 saturation rate requires the most immediate nursing action. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 741 OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 22. A patient has recently started on digoxin (Lanoxin) in addition to furosemide (Lasix) and captopril for the management of heart failure. Which assessment finding by the home health nurse is a priority to communicate to the health care provider? a. Presence of 1+ to 2+ edema in the feet and ankles b. Palpable liver edge 2 cm below the ribs on the right side c. Serum potassium level 3.0 mEq/L after 1 week of therapy d. Weight increase from 120 pounds to 122 pounds over 3 days ANS: C Hypokalemia can predispose the patient to life-threatening dysrhythmias (e.g., premature ventricular contractions) and potentiate the actions of digoxin. Hypokalemia also increases the risk for digoxin toxicity, which can also cause life-threatening dysrhythmias. The other data indicate that the patient’s heart failure requires more effective therapies, but they do not require nursing action as rapidly as the low serum potassium level. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 748 OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 23. An outpatient who has chronic heart failure returns to the clinic after 2 weeks of therapy with metoprolol (Toprol XL). Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider? a. 2+ bilateral pedal edema b. Heart rate of 56 beats/min c. Complaints of increased fatigue d. Blood pressure (BP) of 88/42 mm Hg ANS: D The patient’s BP indicates that the dose of metoprolol may need to be decreased because of hypotension. Bradycardia is a frequent adverse effect of -adrenergic blockade, but the rate of 56 is not unusual though it may need to be monitored. -Adrenergic blockade initially will worsen symptoms of heart failure in many patients and patients should be taught that some increase in symptoms, such as fatigue and edema, is expected during the initiation of therapy with this class of drugs. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 745 OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 24. A patient who is receiving dobutamine for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) has the following nursing interventions included in the plan of care. Which action will be most appropriate for the registered nurse (RN) to delegate to an experienced licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)? a. Teach the patient the reasons for remaining on bed rest. b. Change the peripheral IV site according to agency policy. c. Monitor the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate every hour. d. Titrate the rate to keep the systolic blood pressure >90 mm Hg. ANS: C An experienced LPN/LVN would be able to monitor BP and heart rate and would know to report significant changes to the RN. Teaching patients, making adjustments to the drip rate for vasoactive drugs, and inserting a new peripheral IV catheter require RN level education and scope of practice. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 745 OBJ: Special Questions: Delegation TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment 25. After receiving change-of-shift report on a heart failure unit, which patient should the nurse assess first? a. Patient who is taking carvedilol (Coreg) and has a heart rate of 58 b. Patient who is taking digoxin and has a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L c. Patient who is taking captopril and has a frequent nonproductive cough d. Patient who is taking isosorbide dinitrate/hydralazine (BiDil) and has a headache ANS: B The patient’s low potassium level increases the risk for digoxin toxicity and potentially life- threatening dysrhythmias. The nurse should assess the patient for other signs of digoxin toxicity and then notify the health care provider about the potassium level. The other patients also have side effects of their drugs, but their symptoms do not indicate potentially life- threatening complications. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 748 OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization | Special Questions: Multiple Patients TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment [Show More]

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