An Outpatient Who Has Developed Heart Failure After Having an Acute

question 13

Multiple Choice

An outpatient who has developed heart failure after having an acute myocardial infarction has a new prescription for carvedilol (Coreg) .After 2 weeks,the patient returns to the clinic.Which assessment finding causes the nurse the most concern?

• A) The patient has a BP of 88/42 mm Hg.
• B) The patient has an apical pulse rate of 56 beats/min.
• C) The patient complains of feeling tired.
• D) The patient has 2+ pedal edema.

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Definitions:

Diastole

The phase of the heart cycle during which the heart relaxes and fills with blood following contraction.

Pallor

An abnormal paleness of the skin, often indicative of anemia, shock, or serious illness.

Capillary Refill

A test to assess blood circulation where pressure is applied to a nail bed and the time is measured for color to return.

Cardiac Cycle

The complete sequence of events in the heart from the beginning of one heartbeat to the beginning of the next, including systole and diastole phases.