NURS 257 Cardiac Assessment Case Study

Cardiac Assessment Priority Data Collection During the admission assessment, the nurse first measures Mr. Depodi’s vital signs and oxygen saturation. The vital signs and oxygen saturation are within normal parameters, although the radial pulse rhythm is irregular. 1. Based on Mr. Depodi’s report of increasingly frequent period of dyspnea, dizziness and minor chest discomfort, what assessment should the nurse perform next? a. Ask the patient to stand and then recheck the blood pressure. b. Place the patient in a supine position and observe for orthopnea. c. Measure the apical and radial pulse rates at the same time. d. Determine if the patient is currently experiencing any angina. 2. After palpating an irregular pulse rhythm at the left radial pulse site, what action should the nurse take to confirm the patient’s heart rate? a. Palpate both radial pulses simultaneously. b. Auscultate the apical pulse for 1 minute. c. Compare the ulnar pulse to the radial pulse. d. Ask the patient if he experiences palpitations. Patient Interview