The diagnostic test that is most useful in differentiating the dyspnea related to pulmonary effects of heart failure from the dyspnea of pulmonary disease is
- A. Exercise stress testing
- B. A cardiac catheterization
- C. B-type natriuretic peptide (bNP) levels
- D. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: bNP is released from the ventricles in response to ventricular stretch and is a good marker for heart failure. If the bNP is elevated, shortness of breath is due to heart failure.
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The nurse is administering digoxin to a client. What is the most important parameter to check before administration?
- A. Heart rate
- B. Blood pressure
- C. Respiratory rate
- D. Oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart rate. Before administering digoxin, it is crucial to check the client's heart rate because digoxin is a medication that affects the heart. Monitoring the heart rate helps assess the client's cardiac function and determines if the medication can be safely given. Checking heart rate ensures that the client is not at risk for potential adverse effects such as bradycardia or arrhythmias. Blood pressure (B), respiratory rate (C), and oxygen saturation (D) are important parameters to monitor but are not as directly related to the action of digoxin on the heart.
What test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect heart rhythm problems?
- A. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- B. Chest X-ray
- C. MRI
- D. CT scan
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart, detecting heart rhythm problems such as arrhythmias. It is a non-invasive test that provides valuable information on the heart's function. A chest X-ray (B) is used to visualize the heart and lungs but does not measure electrical activity. MRI (C) and CT scan (D) are imaging tests that provide detailed pictures of the heart's structure but do not directly measure heart rhythm.
Which condition is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways resulting in excess mucus production, leading to frequent coughing and breathing difficulties?
- A. Chronic bronchitis
- B. Asthma
- C. Pneumonia
- D. COPD
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Chronic bronchitis is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways leading to excess mucus production, coughing, and breathing difficulties. This condition is specifically defined by a productive cough lasting at least three months for two consecutive years. Asthma involves airway inflammation and hyperreactivity, but it is not primarily characterized by excess mucus production. Pneumonia is an acute infection of the lungs, not a chronic inflammatory condition. COPD is a broad term that includes chronic bronchitis, but it also encompasses emphysema, so it is not as specific as chronic bronchitis in this context.
Which valve prevents backflow of blood into the right ventricle from the pulmonary artery?
- A. Pulmonary valve
- B. Aortic valve
- C. Tricuspid valve
- D. Mitral valve
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary valve. This valve prevents backflow of blood into the right ventricle from the pulmonary artery by closing when the right ventricle relaxes. The pulmonary valve ensures that blood flows in one direction, from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. The other choices, B: Aortic valve, C: Tricuspid valve, and D: Mitral valve, are incorrect because they are not located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. The aortic valve is between the left ventricle and the aorta, the tricuspid valve is between the right atrium and ventricle, and the mitral valve is between the left atrium and ventricle.
The client is prescribed warfarin. What should the client be taught about this medication?
- A. Avoid foods high in vitamin K.
- B. Take the medication with food to prevent stomach upset.
- C. Take the medication at the same time every day.
- D. Increase the dose if a dose is missed.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid foods high in vitamin K. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that works by decreasing the blood's ability to clot. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, so consuming foods high in vitamin K can interfere with the medication's effectiveness. It is important for the client to maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K to ensure the medication works properly. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because taking warfarin with food, at the same time daily, or increasing the dose if a dose is missed can result in adverse effects or reduced effectiveness of the medication.