A client is admitted to the hospital with a dysrhythmia. Which of the following is the most common cause of dysrhythmias?
- A. Hypothermia
- B. Metabolic acidosis
- C. Drug therapy
- D. Ischemic heart disease
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of dysrhythmias due to compromised blood flow to the heart muscle.
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Which of the following is the result of central nervous system manifestations?
- A. Congestive heart failure
- B. Chorea
- C. Valve damage
- D. Pericarditis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chorea, a neurological condition, can be associated with rheumatic fever affecting the central nervous system.
What condition is characterized by narrowed or blocked arteries in the legs or arms, leading to pain and mobility issues?
- A. Peripheral artery disease
- B. Atherosclerosis
- C. Raynaud's disease
- D. Varicose veins
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is characterized by narrowed or blocked arteries in the legs or arms, leading to pain and mobility issues due to reduced blood flow. Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of plaque in arteries but doesn't specify limbs. Raynaud's disease is a condition affecting blood supply to extremities due to cold or stress, not arterial blockages. Varicose veins involve enlarged, twisted veins, not arterial blockages. Therefore, the correct choice is A as it specifically addresses the narrowed or blocked arteries in limbs causing pain and mobility issues.
The client on spironolactone (Aldactone) has a potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer a potassium supplement.
- C. Continue the spironolactone as ordered.
- D. Increase the dose of spironolactone.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider. The priority action is to stop the medication and inform the healthcare provider because a potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L is above the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L), indicating hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can further increase potassium levels. Continuing the medication or administering a potassium supplement would exacerbate the issue. Increasing the dose of spironolactone would be unsafe and could lead to severe complications. Therefore, holding the medication and seeking guidance from the healthcare provider is crucial in managing the client's elevated potassium level.
What does the PR interval measure?
- A. Time it takes for the electrical impulse to travel from the atria to the ventricles
- B. Measurement of ventricular depolarization
- C. Duration of ventricular repolarization
- D. Segment representing the time between ventricular depolarization and repolarization
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The PR interval measures the time it takes for the electrical signal to travel from the atria to the ventricles, reflecting atrial depolarization and the delay at the AV node before ventricular activation. Option A is correct as it accurately describes the PR interval. Option B is incorrect as the PR interval does not measure ventricular depolarization. Option C is incorrect as the PR interval does not represent ventricular repolarization. Option D is incorrect as it describes the QT interval, not the PR interval.
Which fibers distribute the electrical impulse to the ventricles, causing them to contract?
- A. Purkinje fibers
- B. SA node
- C. AV node
- D. Bundle of His
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Purkinje fibers. Purkinje fibers are specialized cardiac muscle fibers that distribute the electrical impulse from the AV node to the ventricles, causing them to contract. They are located in the ventricles and ensure synchronized and efficient contraction. The SA node (B) is the pacemaker of the heart, initiating the electrical impulse. The AV node (C) delays the impulse to allow for atrial contraction before ventricular contraction. The Bundle of His (D) is a pathway for the electrical impulse from the AV node to the bundle branches, which then lead to the Purkinje fibers for ventricular contraction.