Nokea
The nurse is administering a calcium channel blocker. What is the primary effect of this medication on the cardiovascular system?
- A. Decreases heart rate
- B. Increases heart rate
- C. Increases blood pressure
- D. Decreases blood pressure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreases blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers inhibit the influx of calcium into cardiac and smooth muscle cells, leading to vasodilation and decreased peripheral resistance, ultimately reducing blood pressure. This effect is beneficial in conditions such as hypertension and angina. The other choices are incorrect because calcium channel blockers typically do not directly affect heart rate or increase blood pressure.
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What is the amount of tension the ventricle must develop during contraction to eject blood from the left ventricle into the aorta?
- A. Afterload
- B. Preload
- C. Automaticity
- D. Ejection fraction
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Afterload. Afterload refers to the amount of tension the ventricle must develop during contraction to eject blood into the aorta. It is the resistance the heart must overcome to eject blood. Preload (B) is the stretch on the heart muscle before contraction. Automaticity (C) refers to the heart's ability to generate electrical impulses. Ejection fraction (D) is the percentage of blood pumped out of the ventricle with each heartbeat.
What is a chronic condition where the heart muscle becomes weakened and enlarged, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively?
- A. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- B. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- C. Myocarditis
- D. Pericarditis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dilated cardiomyopathy. This is a chronic condition characterized by the heart muscle becoming weakened and enlarged, leading to reduced pumping efficiency. This results in symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling. The other choices are incorrect because:
B: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is characterized by thickening of the heart muscle, not weakening and enlargement.
C: Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, not specifically causing heart muscle weakening and enlargement.
D: Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium (outer lining of the heart), not directly affecting heart muscle function.
The nurse determines that the treatment of heart failure has been successful when the patient experiences
- A. Weight loss and diuresis
- B. Warm skin and less fatigue
- C. Clear lung sounds and decreased heart rate
- D. Absence of chest pain and improved LOC
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Successful treatment of heart failure is indicated by an absence of symptoms of pulmonary edema and hypoxemia, such as clear lung sounds and a normal heart rate.
What is the term used to describe a condition where the blood flow to the brain is temporarily interrupted, often referred to as a 'mini-stroke'?
- A. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- B. Stroke
- C. Myocardial infarction
- D. Pulmonary embolism
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, causing stroke-like symptoms that usually resolve within 24 hours. It is often referred to as a 'mini-stroke' because the symptoms are similar to a stroke but last for a shorter duration.
Explanation:
1. TIA specifically describes a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, aligning with the scenario described in the question.
2. Stroke (Choice B) refers to a more severe and lasting interruption of blood flow to the brain, not a temporary one as seen in a TIA.
3. Myocardial infarction (Choice C) refers to a heart attack, which involves blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, not the brain.
4. Pulmonary embolism (Choice D) is a blockage of an artery in the lungs, not related to blood flow interruption to the brain.
In summary,
Which condition involves the heart muscle becoming abnormally thickened, reducing its ability to pump blood?
- A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- B. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Ischemic cardiomyopathy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (A) is the correct answer.
2. In this condition, the heart muscle thickens, leading to decreased blood pumping ability.
3. This thickening can obstruct blood flow and increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
4. Dilated cardiomyopathy (B) involves the heart enlarging and weakening, not thickening.
5. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (C) involves stiffening of the heart muscle, not thickening.
6. Ischemic cardiomyopathy (D) results from reduced blood flow to the heart, not thickening.