Nokea
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.
You may also like to solve these questions
What type of therapy delivers high concentrations of oxygen to the lungs?
- A. Oxygen therapy
- B. Ventilator therapy
- C. Mechanical ventilation
- D. CPAP therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Oxygen therapy. This type of therapy delivers high concentrations of oxygen to the lungs to improve oxygen levels in the blood. Ventilator therapy (B) involves mechanical breathing assistance, not just oxygen delivery. Mechanical ventilation (C) is a broader term encompassing various types of mechanical respiratory support beyond just oxygen. CPAP therapy (D) is continuous positive airway pressure used to treat sleep apnea, not specifically for delivering high concentrations of oxygen. Therefore, oxygen therapy is the most direct and specific choice for delivering high concentrations of oxygen to the lungs.
What is a condition where the lung's alveoli are permanently enlarged and damaged, leading to shortness of breath?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Atelectasis
- D. Pulmonary fibrosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Emphysema. Emphysema is a condition where the lung's alveoli are permanently enlarged and damaged, causing shortness of breath. This occurs due to the destruction of the alveoli walls, leading to decreased surface area for oxygen exchange. This results in difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen supply to the body. Bronchitis (B) is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not alveoli damage. Atelectasis (C) is the collapse of lung tissue, not enlargement. Pulmonary fibrosis (D) is scarring of lung tissue, not alveoli enlargement.
Which type of medication helps to reduce the workload on the heart by slowing down the heart rate?
- A. Beta-blocker
- B. Calcium channel blocker
- C. Diuretic
- D. ACE inhibitor
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Beta-blocker. Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, which helps to reduce the heart rate. This reduction in heart rate helps to decrease the workload on the heart muscle, making it an effective treatment for conditions such as high blood pressure and heart failure.
Incorrect choices:
B: Calcium channel blocker - Calcium channel blockers work by dilating blood vessels and reducing the heart's workload by relaxing the muscles in the blood vessels, not by slowing down the heart rate.
C: Diuretic - Diuretics help the body get rid of excess salt and water, reducing blood volume and lowering blood pressure, but they do not directly affect heart rate.
D: ACE inhibitor - ACE inhibitors work by relaxing blood vessels to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow, but they do not specifically target heart rate reduction.
What accurately describes the pathophysiology of CAD?
- A. Partial or total occlusion of the coronary artery occurs during the stage of raised fibrous plaque
- B. Endothelial alteration may be caused by chemical irritants such as hyperlipidemia or by tobacco use
- C. Collateral circulation in the coronary circulation is more likely to be present in the young patient with CAD
- D. The leading theory of atherogenesis proposes that infection and fatty dietary intake are the basic underlying causes of atherosclerosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Endothelial damage initiates plaque formation.
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.