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A client on a beta blocker has a blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the beta blocker as ordered.
- C. Administer a diuretic to reduce blood pressure.
- D. Continue to monitor the client and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. A blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg is considered low and may be a sign of hypotension, which can be a serious side effect of beta blockers. Holding the medication and notifying the healthcare provider is the priority action to prevent further complications. Administering the beta blocker (choice B) can worsen the hypotension. Administering a diuretic (choice C) may further lower the blood pressure. Continuing to monitor and reassess (choice D) is not appropriate in this situation as immediate action is needed due to the low blood pressure reading.
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What is the term for the amount of blood ejected by the left ventricle into the aorta per beat, determined by preload, contractility, and afterload?
- A. Stroke volume
- B. Cardiac output
- C. End-diastolic volume
- D. Ejection fraction
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stroke volume. Stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected by the left ventricle into the aorta per beat. Preload (end-diastolic volume), contractility, and afterload influence stroke volume. Cardiac output (B) is the total volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute. End-diastolic volume (C) is the volume of blood in the ventricle before contraction. Ejection fraction (D) is the percentage of blood ejected from the ventricle during systole.
What procedure involves using a catheter to create a small scar in the heart tissue to block abnormal electrical signals and restore normal heart rhythm?
- A. Catheter ablation
- B. Angioplasty
- C. Stent placement
- D. Valve replacement
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Catheter ablation. This procedure involves using a catheter to create a small scar in the heart tissue to block abnormal electrical signals and restore normal heart rhythm. First, the catheter is guided to the heart through blood vessels. Then, using various techniques such as radiofrequency energy or freezing, the abnormal tissue causing the irregular heartbeat is destroyed to restore the heart's normal rhythm.
Choice B, Angioplasty, involves opening blocked or narrowed blood vessels to improve blood flow, not addressing abnormal heart rhythms. Choice C, Stent placement, involves inserting a mesh tube to keep arteries open, not related to treating abnormal electrical signals in the heart. Choice D, Valve replacement, is a procedure to replace damaged heart valves, not specifically targeting abnormal electrical signals in the heart.
Which term refers to the ability of the heart to initiate impulses repetitively and spontaneously?
- A. Contractility
- B. Excitability
- C. Automaticity
- D. Rhythmicity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Automaticity. Automaticity refers to the ability of the heart to generate electrical impulses spontaneously, without external stimulation. This allows the heart to initiate its own contractions independently of external influences. Contractility (A) refers to the ability of the heart muscle to contract in response to an electrical stimulus. Excitability (B) refers to the ability of cardiac cells to respond to an electrical stimulus. Rhythmicity (D) refers to the regularity of the heart's electrical impulses. Thus, C is the correct answer as it specifically addresses the heart's ability to generate impulses spontaneously.
A patient who is in the 10th week of outpatient cardiac rehabilitation continues to exhibit symptoms of depression. When developing a discharge plan, the cardiac-vascular nurse includes:
- A. a referral for counseling and possible medication.
- B. a trial of herbal remedies.
- C. alternative therapies, including yoga and massage.
- D. comprehensive information about the patient's cardiac status to help reduce their anxiety.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Referral for counseling and medication is appropriate for managing depression in this context.
What is a blood clot that forms in a vein, often in the legs, and can cause serious complications if it travels to the lungs?
- A. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- B. Pulmonary embolism
- C. Varicose veins
- D. Atherosclerosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, commonly in the legs. It can lead to serious complications if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Varicose veins (C) are enlarged, twisted veins near the surface of the skin, not involving deep veins. Atherosclerosis (D) is the build-up of plaque in arteries, not related to vein clot formation. Pulmonary embolism (B) is a complication of DVT, not the initial clot formation in a vein.