The nurse is caring for a client with hypertension. Which diagnostic tests should the nurse anticipate being ordered to rule out secondary causes? Select all that apply.

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Question 1 of 5

The nurse is caring for a client with hypertension. Which diagnostic tests should the nurse anticipate being ordered to rule out secondary causes? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In caring for a client with hypertension, the nurse may anticipate ordering diagnostic tests to identify any underlying secondary causes contributing to the elevated blood pressure. In this scenario, a cerebral angiogram would be the most appropriate test to rule out secondary causes such as intracranial abnormalities impacting blood pressure regulation. Option A, a cerebral angiogram, is correct because it assesses blood flow in the brain and can detect abnormalities like tumors or vascular malformations that could be causing the hypertension. Options B, C, and D are incorrect for ruling out secondary causes of hypertension. An intravenous pyelogram (option B) is used to visualize the urinary system, not typically associated with hypertension etiology. Renal ultrasonography (option C) focuses on the structure and size of the kidneys, valuable in assessing renal function but not the primary test for secondary causes of hypertension. Cardiac catheterization (option D) is more relevant for assessing coronary artery disease and cardiac function, less likely to reveal secondary causes of hypertension. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind diagnostic test selection is crucial for nurses to provide comprehensive care to clients with hypertension. It ensures appropriate interventions based on accurate diagnostic findings, enhancing patient outcomes and promoting a holistic approach to healthcare.

Question 2 of 5

A client with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is experiencing pain. Which nursing intervention addresses the client's pain?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Keeping the extremities warm (Choice B) is the appropriate nursing intervention for a client with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) experiencing pain. Maintaining warmth helps promote vasodilation and improve blood flow to the affected areas, reducing pain and discomfort. Cold temperatures can exacerbate vasoconstriction and worsen symptoms in individuals with PVD. Elevating the legs in bed (Choice A) may be beneficial in some cases to improve circulation, but in the context of pain management for PVD, keeping the extremities warm is more pertinent. Encouraging ambulation (Choice C) can also help improve circulation, but it may not be suitable during episodes of pain. Applying cool compresses (Choice D) is contraindicated for PVD-related pain as it can further exacerbate vasoconstriction and discomfort.

Question 3 of 5

The nurse is caring for a pregnant woman with a suspected pulmonary embolism without DVT. With regard to diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis what should the nurse anticipate being ordered for the client? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of caring for a pregnant woman with a suspected pulmonary embolism without deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the nurse should anticipate that a ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan would likely be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. A V/Q scan is a preferred diagnostic test in pregnant patients due to its safety and the avoidance of ionizing radiation to the fetus. A chest x-ray may not be sufficient to confirm a pulmonary embolism as it may not show definitive signs. A computerized tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of radiation exposure to the fetus. A non-stress test is used to evaluate fetal well-being and is not directly related to diagnosing a pulmonary embolism in the mother. In an educational context, understanding the appropriate diagnostic tests for specific conditions in pregnant patients is crucial for nursing practice. It is essential to consider the safety of both the mother and the fetus when selecting diagnostic procedures, making the V/Q scan the most appropriate choice in this scenario.

Question 4 of 5

A client with a suspected transient ischemic attack (TIA) presents to the emergency department with aphasia. Based on this data, the nurse plans care based on ischemia to which portion of the brain?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Aphasia, which is the inability to understand or express speech, is typically associated with damage to the left hemisphere of the brain. In a client with suspected transient ischemic attack (TIA) presenting with aphasia, the nurse would plan care based on ischemia affecting the left hemisphere of the brain. The left hemisphere is responsible for language processing in most individuals, so damage in this area can result in communication deficits such as aphasia.

Question 5 of 5

A patient is experiencing frequent large, fatty, foul-smelling stools. What additional information should the nurse obtain from the patient?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: By obtaining information on the relationship of episodes to particular foods, the nurse can assess for potential food allergies or intolerances that may be causing the patient's symptoms. Certain foods high in fat or certain food intolerances can lead to large, fatty, foul-smelling stools. Identifying any offending foods can help the patient make dietary changes to improve their symptoms. Additionally, other conditions such as malabsorption syndromes or pancreatic insufficiency could be contributing to the patient's symptoms, making it important to explore the relationship with certain foods.

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