Which test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions?
- A. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- B. Chest X-ray
- C. MRI
- D. CT scan
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart, detecting arrhythmias and other heart conditions by recording the heart's electrical impulses. This test is non-invasive and provides valuable information about the heart's function. Chest X-ray (B) primarily shows the heart's size and shape, not electrical activity. MRI (C) and CT scan (D) are imaging tests that provide detailed anatomical images but do not directly measure heart electrical activity.
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A nurse responds to a telemetry alarm and determines that the client is in which rhythm, where the rate is greater than 150, diastole is shortened, and the heart does not have sufficient time to fill?
- A. Sinus bradycardia
- B. Sinus tachycardia
- C. Supraventricular Tachycardia
- D. Atrial flutter
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Supraventricular tachycardia involves rapid heart rates originating above the ventricles, shortening diastolic filling time.
The client has a prescription for sublingual nitroglycerin. What is the nurse's instruction for how to take this medication during an episode of chest pain?
- A. Take one tablet every 5 minutes, up to three tablets.
- B. Take one tablet every hour until the pain subsides.
- C. Take two tablets immediately if chest pain occurs.
- D. Take one tablet with a full glass of water.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Sublingual nitroglycerin is taken under the tongue to quickly relieve chest pain. The nurse should instruct the client to take one tablet every 5 minutes during an episode of chest pain, up to a maximum of three tablets. This is because nitroglycerin works rapidly to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart, helping to relieve angina symptoms. Taking one tablet every hour or two tablets immediately may not provide adequate relief and could lead to an overdose. Taking the tablet with water is unnecessary as the medication is absorbed through the mucous membranes under the tongue.
The client is on spironolactone (Aldactone). What is the most important dietary instruction?
- A. Avoid foods high in potassium.
- B. Increase intake of foods high in potassium.
- C. Avoid foods high in sodium.
- D. Increase intake of foods high in sodium.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid foods high in potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can increase potassium levels in the body. Consuming foods high in potassium while on spironolactone can lead to hyperkalemia, which can be dangerous. By avoiding foods high in potassium, the client can help maintain a safe potassium level.
Summary:
- Choice B (Increase intake of foods high in potassium) is incorrect because it can lead to hyperkalemia when combined with spironolactone.
- Choice C (Avoid foods high in sodium) is unrelated to spironolactone's mechanism of action.
- Choice D (Increase intake of foods high in sodium) is incorrect as it is not relevant to the dietary instruction needed for a client on spironolactone.
Which of the following is a rare but serious condition where the pulmonary arteries become narrowed, increasing the blood pressure in the lungs?
- A. Pulmonary hypertension
- B. Pulmonary embolism
- C. Pulmonary fibrosis
- D. Aortic stenosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary hypertension. This condition is characterized by narrowing of the pulmonary arteries, leading to increased blood pressure in the lungs. Pulmonary embolism (B) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries, not narrowing. Pulmonary fibrosis (C) involves scarring of lung tissue, not artery narrowing. Aortic stenosis (D) is a narrowing of the aortic valve, not the pulmonary arteries. Therefore, the correct choice is A.
The nurse is giving digoxin to a client. What is the most important parameter to check before administration?
- A. Heart rate
- B. Blood pressure
- C. Respiratory rate
- D. Oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Digoxin is primarily used to treat heart conditions.
Step 2: Heart rate is crucial as digoxin can affect the heart rhythm.
Step 3: Monitoring heart rate ensures safety and effectiveness of digoxin.
Step 4: Blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation are important but not as directly impacted by digoxin.