Julian87

Thanks for all the input/criticism people! I was certainly not trying to give you attitude. (Probably just frustrated because I had an exam the next day) I understand the pathophysiology and complications of heart failure perfectly inside out. However, with this question, one of my professors said weight gain was a correct answer. I disagreed with her, and that's why I came here to get a second opinion or two on WEIGHT GAIN (specifically) being a manifestation of left-sided heart failure. Yes, Esme, a pt with left-sided failure may be at risk for gaining weight because of developing right-sided failure (hence checking weight in all HF pts), but it is not a manifestation that a nurse would expect to see in a pt with left-sided failure. I have since clarified this question with another one of my professors who is an "NCLEX question preparer" and he agreed with me saying the correct answer, in this case, would only be crackles, and pleural effusion. Unfortunately, as I have seen many times already, the rationales and answers to NCLEX questions are not the same as what you see being carried out by nurses in hospitals, and often not the same as what text books say. This is VERY frustrating as a nursing student--being surrounded by contradiction all the time!

Thank you, kjamison! The other two answers did not address my question. The question asks about symptoms of left sided heart failure specifically.

Ok, so I have an NCLEX question that I need help with: When assessing a client with suspected left sided heart failure the nurse would expect to find: (choose all that apply) a. Edema at the anterior tibias b. Weight gain c. Crackles on auscultation d. Pleural effusion e. Hepatomegaly I think the answer would be C and D, but I'm not sure about weight gain. I know you would typically see weight gain with peripheral edema in right-sided failure, but would you see it with pulmonary congestion as well? Thanks in advance!!

Thanks! Very helpful.

My textbook doesn't seem to say. Do they have the same action?

Thanks!! I did see that, but I wasn't sure that the NLN was the same as the accrediting commision. I am assuming that the NLN and NLNAC are synonymous. Thanks for your clarity.

I am currently in an ADN RN program at a community college. I am hoping to go on and complete the RN to MSN program at GMU, after I have worked for a year. My problem is that I just noticed that GMU's requirements is that the RN program is CCNE accredited, but my program is NLNAC accredited. HELP! Is there a legitimate reason why they don't allow NLNAC accreditation? It seems slightly disingenuous not to accept them as they accredit 1300 programs per year. Any advice please!?!

Thanks for all the info - a big help. I dont have an RN yet. I have applied for a program a NVCC and GMU which is a 3 year accelerated BSN program and you dont have to have any prior college credit at all. I was wondering if there are any programs similar to this one around the DC area.

I am looking into starting a RN nursing program here in DC. Can anyone recommend a community college or school that has these programs in DC and the approximate tuition? I have been looking at the Comprehensive Health Academy but I have not got any info back from them yet. Also does anyone know of any accelerated programs around? Thanks

Hi Its good to know that theres someone else out there in the same boat as I am. Im acually getting cold feet now, thinking that I wont get accepted onto the program. I really liked this program especially as it requires no previous college credit and no prerequisites. I should probably continue applying at other colleges for other programs except I dont know where... help.... and I dont think I will find a program as good as this.... I dont want to go to MCI because their tuition is astronomical compared to NVCC and I think they have an even longer waiting list to get onto their program. Hey any of you current or graduate NOVArians out there???... please give us some advice and info about what you think and what you experienced. Thanks a ton

I honestly dont think you will have a problem at all especially because you have a Bachalors degree already so you will be one step ahead. I am finding it difficult but thats only because Ive been out of school for 7 years and its tough to get back into things. My sister has just finished nursing and she just says dont worry about all the information and books - just focus on what you are learning/studying and try to absorb as much as you can - and you will do fine. All the best .

I have been studying for the TEAS online - I dont have the study manual yet. Im finding it kind of hard though especally the math. But maybe thats only me because I have been out of school for afew years and Im really crap at math. Somebody please tell me the best way to study for these tests. Im really freeked out because I dont think I will do well and I have to get above 78% on all sections.

You should be eating meat. Protein is the best source of energy and you will loose lbs if you replace bread/carbs with protein. This is the only thing that worked for me and I dont even excercise that much. good luck.

Back to the origional question - Does anyone know of any LPN programs at CC's or tech schools in N VA or DC metro area?

No dont worry, you havent taken anything away. Its good to hear concerns and questions from other nursing students and to find out what other people are thinking/dealing with as they embark on their nursing career. And thanks to everyone who gave input on how to prepare for school - a great help.