The nurse is administering a beta blocker to a client with a heart rate of 50 bpm. What is the priority action?
- A. Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the beta blocker as ordered.
- C. Decrease the dose of the beta blocker.
- D. Monitor the client's heart rate and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a heart rate of 50 bpm is below the normal range, and beta blockers further decrease heart rate. Holding the medication and notifying the healthcare provider is crucial to prevent potential bradycardia and adverse effects. Administering the beta blocker (choice B) can further reduce the heart rate. Decreasing the dose (choice C) may not be enough to address the issue. Monitoring the heart rate (choice D) is important but not sufficient to address the potential harm caused by administering the beta blocker.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which neurotransmitter released by the parasympathetic nervous system can decrease heart rate?
- A. Acetylcholine
- B. Norepinephrine
- C. Dopamine
- D. Serotonin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is released by the parasympathetic nervous system and acts on the heart to decrease heart rate. It binds to muscarinic receptors in the heart, leading to a decrease in heart rate through inhibition of the SA node. Norepinephrine (B) is released by the sympathetic nervous system and increases heart rate. Dopamine (C) and Serotonin (D) are not directly involved in regulating heart rate through the parasympathetic pathway.
What is a severe and often sudden allergic reaction that can lead to breathing difficulties and anaphylactic shock?
- A. Anaphylaxis
- B. Allergic rhinitis
- C. Bronchospasm
- D. Asthma attack
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe and sudden allergic reaction that can lead to breathing difficulties and anaphylactic shock due to the body's extreme immune response. Allergic rhinitis (B) is a milder allergic reaction affecting the nose and eyes. Bronchospasm (C) is a sudden constriction of the muscles in the airways, often associated with asthma. Asthma attack (D) refers to the exacerbation of asthma symptoms but does not necessarily involve anaphylactic shock.
What test measures the electrical activity of the heart to detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions?
- A. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- B. Chest X-ray
- C. Stress test
- D. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart by recording the heart's rhythm and electrical signals. It is used to detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions based on the pattern of the electrical waves. A chest X-ray (B) is used to visualize the heart and lungs, not to measure electrical activity. A stress test (C) assesses the heart's response to physical activity. Arterial blood gas (D) measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, not heart activity. Thus, the ECG is the most appropriate test for detecting arrhythmias and other heart conditions.
Which artery supplies the right atrium, right ventricle, a portion of the septum, SA node, AV node, and inferior portion of the left ventricle?
- A. Right coronary artery
- B. Left circumflex artery
- C. Posterior descending artery
- D. Aortic artery
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Right coronary artery. This artery supplies the mentioned structures as it branches off from the aorta and follows the coronary sulcus to reach the right side of the heart. It provides blood to the right atrium, right ventricle, part of the septum, SA node, AV node, and inferior left ventricle. The Left circumflex artery (B) mainly supplies the left atrium and lateral part of the left ventricle. The Posterior descending artery (C) typically arises from the right coronary artery and supplies the inferior part of the heart. The Aortic artery (D) is not a specific artery that directly supplies the structures mentioned.
Which type of lung cancer begins in the cells lining the bronchi and bronchioles?
- A. Adenocarcinoma
- B. Small cell lung cancer
- C. Squamous cell carcinoma
- D. Mesothelioma
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Adenocarcinoma. This type of lung cancer begins in the cells lining the bronchi and bronchioles. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer and often affects non-smokers. It is characterized by the growth of glandular cells in the lining of the lungs.
B: Small cell lung cancer typically originates in the bronchi, but it is characterized by small, round cells and tends to grow and spread quickly.
C: Squamous cell carcinoma starts in the squamous cells lining the airways and is associated with a history of smoking.
D: Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelial cells that line the lungs, not specifically the bronchi or bronchioles. It is commonly linked to asbestos exposure.