Question 1

The nurse is planning care for an older patient with heart failure who is experiencing shortness of breath. Upon assessment, the patient stated the inability to purchase medication because of financial limits. Which nursing diagnoses will be of the greatest initial importance when planning care?

Accepted Answer

Addressing fluid volume excess is crucial as it directly impacts the patient's shortness of breath and overall heart failure management.

Question 2

An older patient with valvular disease is scheduled for an echocardiogram. What should the nurse teach the patient about this diagnostic test?

Accepted Answer

An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart, allowing for visualization of the heart valves as they open and close, as well as the heart chambers and other structures. It is particularly useful in assessing valvular disease.

Question 3

During a home visit an older patient with heart disease tells the nurse of plans to shovel the snow as soon as the visit concludes. How should the nurse instruct the patient at this time?

Accepted Answer

Shoveling snow can be a strenuous activity that increases heart rate and blood pressure, posing a risk to individuals with heart disease. The nurse should advise the patient to avoid shoveling to prevent potential cardiac strain or events.

Question 4

An older patient diagnosed with pneumonia does not understand why the health problem occurred since respiratory problems have never been experienced. How should the nurse respond to this patient? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Ciliary function decreases with age, leading to less effective clearing of pathogens from the respiratory tract. Additionally, decreased immune function with aging makes older adults more susceptible to infections like pneumonia.

Question 5

The nurse is planning to assess an older patient's risk for cardiovascular disease. Which assessment question is priority?

Accepted Answer

The nurse is planning to assess an older patient's risk for cardiovascular disease. The priority assessment question is "Are you short of breath at rest?" because shortness of breath at rest is a sign of heart failure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Quiz 15: The Cardiovascular System

The nurse is planning care for an older patient with heart failure who is experiencing shortness of breath. Upon assessment, the patient stated the inability to purchase medication because of financial limits. Which nursing diagnoses will be of the greatest initial importance when planning care?

An older patient with valvular disease is scheduled for an echocardiogram. What should the nurse teach the patient about this diagnostic test?

During a home visit an older patient with heart disease tells the nurse of plans to shovel the snow as soon as the visit concludes. How should the nurse instruct the patient at this time?

An older patient diagnosed with pneumonia does not understand why the health problem occurred since respiratory problems have never been experienced. How should the nurse respond to this patient? Select all that apply.

The nurse is planning to assess an older patient's risk for cardiovascular disease. Which assessment question is priority?