When caring for a pregnant woman with cardiac problems,the nurse must be alert for signs and symptoms of cardiac decompensation,which include:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Signs of cardiac decompensation include dyspnea; crackles; an irregular,weak,rapid pulse; rapid respirations; a moist,frequent cough; generalized edema; increasing fatigue; and cyanosis of the lips and nail beds.A regular heart rate and hypertension are not generally associated with cardiac decompensation.Tachycardia would indicate cardiac decompensation,but increased urinary output and a dry cough would not.Shortness of breath would indicate cardiac decompensation,but bradycardia and hypertension would not.

When Caring for a Pregnant Woman with Cardiac Problems,the Nurse