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What test measures the electrical activity of the heart over a 24- or 48-hour period?
- A. Holter monitor
- B. Electrocardiogram
- C. Stress test
- D. Chest X-ray
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Holter monitor. This device records the electrical activity of the heart over an extended period, typically 24-48 hours, providing a more comprehensive assessment compared to a standard ECG (choice B). A stress test (choice C) evaluates the heart's response to physical exertion, not prolonged monitoring. A chest X-ray (choice D) is used to visualize the heart and lungs, but does not measure electrical activity. Therefore, the Holter monitor is the most appropriate test for continuous monitoring of heart activity over an extended period.
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A patient with chronic heart failure is treated with hydrochlorothiazide, digoxin, and lisinopril. To prevent the risk of digitalis toxicity with these drugs, it is most important that the nurse monitor the patient's
- A. HR
- B. BP
- C. Potassium levels
- D. GI function
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypokalemia is one of the most common causes of digitalis toxicity. When a patient is receiving potassium losing diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide, it is essential to monitor the potassium level.
This is the inflammation of the heart's inner lining, usually caused by an infection.
- A. Endocarditis
- B. Myocarditis
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Valvulitis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Endocarditis. Endocarditis is the inflammation of the heart's inner lining, often due to an infection. "Endo-" refers to the inner lining of the heart (endocardium) and "-itis" denotes inflammation. Myocarditis (B) is inflammation of the heart muscle, pericarditis (C) is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart, and valvulitis (D) is inflammation of the heart valves. Endocarditis specifically targets the inner lining, making it the correct choice.
Which condition refers to the heart being unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs?
- A. Heart failure
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Cardiomyopathy
- D. Pericarditis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart failure. This condition occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It can result from various factors such as high blood pressure, heart muscle damage, or heart valve disorders. In contrast, B (Myocardial infarction) refers to a heart attack caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries, C (Cardiomyopathy) is a disease of the heart muscle, and D (Pericarditis) is inflammation of the pericardium surrounding the heart. These conditions may affect the heart's function but do not specifically indicate the inability to pump sufficient blood like heart failure does.
The healthcare provider is administering IV nitroglycerin to a patient for chest pain. What is the most critical parameter to monitor?
- A. Heart rate
- B. Blood pressure
- C. Oxygen saturation
- D. Respiratory rate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Blood pressure. When administering IV nitroglycerin for chest pain, monitoring blood pressure is critical due to its vasodilatory effect, which can cause hypotension. Monitoring blood pressure helps prevent potential adverse effects like hypotension-related symptoms or complications. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate are also important parameters to monitor, but blood pressure takes precedence in this scenario due to the potential for significant hemodynamic changes.
What diagnostic procedure uses sound waves to create images of the heart and assess its structure and function?
- A. Echocardiogram
- B. MRI
- C. CT scan
- D. X-ray
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of the heart, providing detailed information about its structure and function in real-time. This procedure is non-invasive, safe, and commonly used to diagnose heart conditions such as valve abnormalities, heart size, and blood flow. It allows visualization of the heart chambers, valves, and blood vessels. MRI (B) and CT scan (C) use different imaging techniques and are not specifically designed to assess the heart's structure and function. X-ray (D) provides limited information about the heart compared to an echocardiogram.