Question

The nurse is assessing a client who has a history of stable angina. The client describes a recent increase in the number of attacks and in the intensity of the pain. Which question does the nurse ask to assess the client's change in condition?

a. "How many cigarettes do you smoke daily?"
b. "Do you have pain when you are resting?"
c. "Do you have abdominal pain or nausea?"
d. "How frequently are you having chest pain?"

Answer 1

The nurse should ask the client if they have pain while resting to determine if their stable angina is transitioning to unstable angina, which requires urgent care.

Step-by-step explanation:

To assess a client's change in condition who has a history of stable angina and who describes an increase in the number of attacks and in the intensity of the pain, the nurse should ask, "Do you have pain when you are resting?" This question is pivotal because the transition from stable angina, which is generally precipitated by exertion and relieved by rest, to unstable angina is characterized by pain occurring at rest or pain that is not relieved by nitroglycerin, lasting more than 15 minutes, and is of new onset. Such changes suggest that the client's condition is worsening, possibly indicating the approach of an acute myocardial infarction (MI), which requires immediate medical attention.