Which information from a patient helps the nurse confirm the previous diagnosis of chronic stable angina?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the fact that the pain goes away after taking a nitroglycerin tablet is a classic characteristic of chronic stable angina. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that helps relieve angina by increasing blood flow to the heart. This response is specific to angina and indicates that the pain is likely due to coronary artery disease. A: "The pain wakes me up at night" is not specific to angina and could indicate other issues like gastroesophageal reflux disease. B: "The pain is level 3 to 5" is subjective and doesn't provide diagnostic value for angina. C: "The pain has gotten worse over the last week" may suggest a change in condition but doesn't confirm the diagnosis of chronic stable angina.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Generalized muscle aches and pains. This is important to communicate because it could indicate a serious side effect called rhabdomyolysis, a rare but serious condition where muscle breakdown releases toxic substances into the bloodstream. This can lead to kidney damage and other complications. B: Dizziness with rapid position changes is a common side effect of niacin and usually not as concerning as muscle aches. C: Nausea when taking the drugs before meals is a common side effect of niacin and can often be managed by taking the medication with food. D: Flushing and pruritus after taking the drugs are common side effects of niacin and not as serious as muscle aches.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Electrocardiogram (ECG) should be completed first. This is because an ECG provides immediate information on the patient's cardiac status and can help in diagnosing conditions like a heart attack. This test is crucial in quickly determining the presence of significant cardiac abnormalities. Chest x-ray (A) may provide information on lung conditions but does not directly assess the heart. Troponin level (B) is important for diagnosing a heart attack but takes time to process. Insertion of a peripheral IV (D) is necessary for treatment but is not as urgent as obtaining the ECG results.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitor peripheral pulses. After cardiac catheterization, monitoring peripheral pulses is crucial to assess for any signs of impaired circulation or complications such as arterial occlusion. This intervention helps to detect early warning signs and prevent potential complications. A: Helping the client ambulate to the bathroom is important for mobility but not the most critical intervention post-cardiac catheterization. B: Fluid restriction is not typically indicated after cardiac catheterization unless specifically ordered by the healthcare provider. D: Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not necessary unless there is a specific indication such as urinary retention. Monitoring peripheral pulses takes priority for assessing circulation status.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: A rise in pulmonary artery diastolic pressure. This finding most strongly suggests left-sided heart failure because increased pressure in the pulmonary artery indicates increased resistance to blood flow from the left side of the heart. Left-sided heart failure leads to blood backing up into the pulmonary circulation, causing elevated pressures in the pulmonary artery. A: A drop in central venous pressure is more indicative of right-sided heart failure. B: An increase in the cardiac index may indicate compensation for decreased cardiac output, but it is not specific to left-sided heart failure. D: A decline in mean pulmonary artery pressure is not a typical finding in left-sided heart failure, as it usually causes increased pressure in the pulmonary artery due to congestion.