Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies Q 86
To prevent a Valsalva maneuver in a client recovering from an acute myocardial infarction, the nurse would:
A. Assist the client to use the bedside commode.
B. Administer stool softeners every day as ordered.
C. Administer antidysrhythmics prn as ordered.
D. Maintain the client on strict bed rest.
Correct Answer: B. Administer stool softeners every day as ordered.
Administering stool softeners every day will prevent straining on defecation which causes the Valsalva maneuver. If constipation occurs then laxatives would be necessary to prevent straining. If straining on defecation produced the Valsalva maneuver and rhythm disturbances resulted then antidysrhythmics would be appropriate.
Option A: A bedside commode for a client with acute MI should be provided, but it does not prevent Valsalva maneuver alone.
Option C: Antidysrhythmics do not prevent Valsalva maneuver. Antidysrhythmic agents, which are also known as antiarrhythmic agents, are a broad category of medications that help ameliorate the spectrum of cardiac arrhythmias to maintain normal rhythm and conduction in the heart.
Option D: A client with acute MI can be given bathroom privileges with assistance.