What is the ability of cardiac cells to generate an electrical impulse without being stimulated by an external source?
- A. Automaticity
- B. Contractility
- C. Conductivity
- D. Refractoriness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Automaticity is the ability of cardiac cells to generate an electrical impulse spontaneously without external stimulation. It is a fundamental property of specialized cardiac cells like pacemaker cells. Contractility refers to the ability of muscle cells to contract in response to an electrical stimulus. Conductivity is the ability of cardiac cells to transmit electrical impulses. Refractoriness is the period during which cardiac cells are unable to respond to a new stimulus. Therefore, in this context, the correct answer is A: Automaticity.
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What is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thickened without an obvious cause, leading to a reduction in the heart's ability to pump blood?
- A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- B. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Myocarditis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In this condition, the heart muscle becomes thickened, affecting the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently. This is due to genetic mutations causing the muscle cells to grow abnormally. This leads to poor relaxation and filling of the heart, impairing its pumping function.
B: Dilated cardiomyopathy involves the heart muscle becoming weak and stretched, leading to reduced pumping ability.
C: Restrictive cardiomyopathy involves the heart muscle becoming stiff and rigid, impairing its ability to fill with blood properly.
D: Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, typically caused by infections or autoimmune conditions, leading to temporary reduction in heart function.
Hence, the correct answer is A as it specifically describes the scenario of a thickened heart muscle without an obvious cause impacting the heart's pumping ability.
Nurse's role in hemodynamic monitoring.
- A. Data collection
- B. Interpretation
- C. Both A and B
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nurses collect data and interpret findings to guide interventions.
What is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed due to the buildup of plaque?
- A. Atherosclerosis
- B. Aneurysm
- C. Arrhythmia
- D. Peripheral artery disease
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the condition where arteries supplying blood to the heart become hardened and narrowed due to plaque buildup, leading to decreased blood flow and potential heart issues. Aneurysm (B) is the weakening and bulging of an artery wall, not related to plaque buildup. Arrhythmia (C) is an irregular heartbeat, not directly related to arterial blockages. Peripheral artery disease (D) involves narrowing of arteries in the limbs, not specifically related to the heart. Thus, Atherosclerosis is the most fitting choice for the given condition.
The echocardiogram indicates a large thrombus in the left atrium of a patient admitted with heart failure. During the night, the patient complains of severe, sudden onset left foot pain. You note that no pulse is palpable in the left foot and that it is cold and pale. Which action should you take next?
- A. Lower the patient's left foot below heart level.
- B. Administer oxygen at 4 L/minute to the patient.
- C. Notify the patient's physician about the assessment data.
- D. Check the patient's vital signs and oximetry.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This likely indicates embolic occlusion, requiring immediate physician intervention.
The client is receiving digoxin and has a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Increase the dose of digoxin.
- C. Continue the current dose of digoxin.
- D. Administer potassium supplements.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. Digoxin toxicity is more likely to occur in patients with low potassium levels. With a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L, the client is at risk for digoxin toxicity. Holding the digoxin and notifying the healthcare provider is the priority action to prevent potential harm to the client.
B: Increasing the dose of digoxin would exacerbate the risk of digoxin toxicity in a client with low potassium levels.
C: Continuing the current dose of digoxin without addressing the low potassium level could lead to digoxin toxicity.
D: Administering potassium supplements alone may not be sufficient to address the potential digoxin toxicity. Holding the digoxin is the priority action.