Nokea
In an assessment for intermittent claudication, the cardiac-vascular nurse assesses for leg pain and cramping with exertion, then asks the patient:
- A. Does shortness of breath accompany the leg pain?'
- B. Does this same type of pain occur without activity?'
- C. Is the leg pain relieved by rest?'
- D. Is the leg pain relieved with elevation?'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Intermittent claudication pain typically resolves with rest.
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Which condition is characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle?
- A. Angina
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Arrhythmia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Angina. Angina is characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often triggered by physical exertion or stress. It is typically relieved by rest or medication. Myocardial infarction (B) is a heart attack, which results from a complete blockage of blood flow to a part of the heart muscle. Pericarditis (C) is inflammation of the pericardium, the outer lining of the heart, causing sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing. Arrhythmia (D) refers to abnormal heart rhythms and may not necessarily present with chest pain due to reduced blood flow.
The client on spironolactone should avoid which of the following?
- A. Foods high in potassium
- B. Foods high in sodium
- C. Foods high in calcium
- D. Foods high in chloride
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Foods high in potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can increase potassium levels in the body. Consuming foods high in potassium while taking spironolactone can lead to hyperkalemia, a serious condition characterized by high levels of potassium in the blood. The other choices (B: Foods high in sodium, C: Foods high in calcium, D: Foods high in chloride) are not directly contraindicated with spironolactone use. Sodium intake is typically restricted in patients taking diuretics, but it is not specifically related to spironolactone. Calcium and chloride levels are not significantly affected by spironolactone, so foods high in these minerals do not need to be avoided.
The client is receiving digoxin and has a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Increase the dose of digoxin.
- C. Continue the current dose of digoxin.
- D. Administer potassium supplements.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. Digoxin toxicity is more likely to occur in patients with low potassium levels. With a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L, the client is at risk for digoxin toxicity. Holding the digoxin and notifying the healthcare provider is the priority action to prevent potential harm to the client.
B: Increasing the dose of digoxin would exacerbate the risk of digoxin toxicity in a client with low potassium levels.
C: Continuing the current dose of digoxin without addressing the low potassium level could lead to digoxin toxicity.
D: Administering potassium supplements alone may not be sufficient to address the potential digoxin toxicity. Holding the digoxin is the priority action.
What is the condition where the heart's mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to leak backward into the left atrium?
- A. Mitral regurgitation
- B. Aortic stenosis
- C. Tricuspid regurgitation
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mitral regurgitation. In this condition, the mitral valve fails to close properly, causing blood to flow back into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. This results in decreased forward blood flow and increased volume in the left atrium and ventricle. Mitral regurgitation can lead to symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart murmur upon auscultation.
Now, let's analyze the other choices:
B: Aortic stenosis - This involves narrowing of the aortic valve, obstructing blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta.
C: Tricuspid regurgitation - Involves backward flow of blood from the right ventricle to the right atrium due to a faulty tricuspid valve.
D: Pulmonary hypertension - Elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, usually caused by underlying conditions affecting the lungs or heart.
Therefore, the correct answer is A because it specifically describes
What is the ability of cardiac cells to generate an electrical impulse without being stimulated by an external source?
- A. Automaticity
- B. Contractility
- C. Conductivity
- D. Refractoriness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Automaticity is the ability of cardiac cells to generate an electrical impulse spontaneously without external stimulation. It is a fundamental property of specialized cardiac cells like pacemaker cells. Contractility refers to the ability of muscle cells to contract in response to an electrical stimulus. Conductivity is the ability of cardiac cells to transmit electrical impulses. Refractoriness is the period during which cardiac cells are unable to respond to a new stimulus. Therefore, in this context, the correct answer is A: Automaticity.