If Mr. Smith is admitted with pericarditis with effusion and shows dyspnea, tachycardia, distended neck veins, and arterial hypotension, your evaluation of the situation would be that
- A. These are signs of cardiac tamponade
- B. These signs are to be expected
- C. He needs to be placed flat in bed to relieve the problem
- D. He has overexerted himself and needs to rest
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cardiac tamponade compromises cardiac function.
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What is a surgical procedure where a blood vessel is grafted to bypass a blocked coronary artery, improving blood flow to the heart muscle?
- A. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
- B. Valve replacement
- C. Angioplasty
- D. Endarterectomy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). This surgical procedure involves grafting a blood vessel to bypass a blocked coronary artery, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. It is used to treat severe coronary artery disease. Valve replacement (B) is a surgery to replace heart valves, not to bypass blocked arteries. Angioplasty (C) involves inserting a balloon to widen a narrowed artery, not bypassing it. Endarterectomy (D) is a procedure to remove plaque from an artery, not bypassing a blocked coronary artery.
What is most organ damage in hypertension related to?
- A. Increased fluid pressure exerted against organ tissue
- B. Atherosclerotic changes in vessels that supply the organs
- C. Erosion and thinning of blood vessels from constant pressure
- D. Increased hydrostatic pressure causing leakage of plasma into organ interstitial spaces
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Atherosclerosis impairs organ perfusion.
Which chronic condition is characterized by abnormally thickened heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently?
- A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- B. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Ventricular hypertrophy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale:
1. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by thickening of the heart muscle.
2. The thickening reduces the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.
3. This leads to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.
4. HCM is a genetic condition that affects the heart's structure.
5. Dilated cardiomyopathy involves the heart becoming enlarged, not thickened.
6. Restrictive cardiomyopathy refers to stiffening of the heart muscle.
7. Ventricular hypertrophy is a general term for thickening of the heart's chambers, not the muscle itself.
Summary:
A is correct as HCM matches the description provided. B, C, and D do not align with the specific characteristics of abnormally thickened heart muscle seen in HCM.
Which term describes a type of abnormal heart rhythm characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria?
- A. Atrial fibrillation
- B. Ventricular fibrillation
- C. Atrial flutter
- D. Sinus tachycardia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A: Atrial fibrillation is the correct answer as it is characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria due to disorganized electrical signals. This leads to inefficient pumping of blood and increases the risk of blood clots.
B: Ventricular fibrillation is incorrect as it refers to rapid, irregular beating of the ventricles, which is life-threatening and requires immediate medical intervention.
C: Atrial flutter is incorrect as it is characterized by a rapid but regular beating of the atria, different from the irregular pattern seen in atrial fibrillation.
D: Sinus tachycardia is incorrect as it is a normal response to stress, exercise, or excitement, characterized by a fast but regular heartbeat originating from the sinus node in the heart.
The client asks about side effects of taking digoxin. How does the nurse respond?
- A. Anorexia can be a side effect of digoxin.
- B. Tachycardia can be a side effect of digoxin.
- C. Constipation can be a side effect of digoxin.
- D. Urinary retention can be a side effect of digoxin.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anorexia can be a side effect of digoxin. Digoxin is known to cause anorexia due to its impact on the gastrointestinal system. It can lead to nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, resulting in anorexia. Tachycardia (choice B) is not a common side effect of digoxin, as it is actually used to treat certain types of arrhythmias. Constipation (choice C) and urinary retention (choice D) are also not typically associated with digoxin use. In summary, anorexia is a known side effect of digoxin, while tachycardia, constipation, and urinary retention are not commonly linked to this medication.