Question

A client who has progressed to late-stage heart failure is experiencing sympathetic stimulation. The nurse would assess the client for: Select all that apply.

a) Increased cardiac contractility
b) Vasoconstriction
c) Increased oxygen demand
d) Arrhythmias
e) Bradycardia

Answer 1

In late-stage heart failure with sympathetic stimulation, a nurse should assess for increased cardiac contractility, vasoconstriction, increased oxygen demand, and arrhythmias, but not bradycardia.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client with late-stage heart failure experiencing sympathetic stimulation would likely exhibit several physiological responses. The nurse should assess for the following symptoms: increased cardiac contractility, which is a compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output; vasoconstriction, which occurs to increase vascular resistance and blood pressure; increased oxygen demand due to the heart working harder; and arrhythmias, as the elevated sympathetic activity can lead to irregular heartbeats. Bradycardia, however, is not typically associated with sympathetic stimulation and is therefore not a correct choice in this context.

Answer 2

In late-stage heart failure with sympathetic stimulation, one would expect increased cardiac contractility. The correct answer is options A

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client with late-stage heart failure experiences sympathetic stimulation, the nurse would assess the client for several signs and symptoms. These include increased cardiac contractility, vasoconstriction, increased oxygen demand, and arrhythmias. However, bradycardia is not typically associated with sympathetic stimulation in heart failure patients.

Increased cardiac contractility refers to the ability of the heart to contract more forcefully, allowing for a stronger heartbeat. Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of blood vessels, which increases peripheral resistance. Increased oxygen demand occurs due to increased workload on the heart, and arrhythmias can be a result of dysregulation in the electrical activity of the heart. So, The correct answer is options A