What disease process(es) contributes to chronic heart failure? Select all that apply.
- A. Tachyarrhythmias
- B. Valvular disease
- C. Pancreatic disease
- D. Renal failure
- E. Pulmonary insufficiency
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: Hypertension, tachyarrhythmias, valvular disease, cardiomyopathy, and renal failure can contribute to chronic heart failure. Pancreatic disease and pulmonary insufficiency do not contribute to chronic heart failure.
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A client is awaiting the availability of a heart for transplant. What option may be available to the client as a bridge to transplant?
- A. Implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
- B. Pacemaker
- C. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)
- D. Ventricular assist device (VAD)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: VADs may be used for one of three purposes: (1) a bridge to recovery, (2) a bridge to transport, or (3) destination therapy (mechanical circulatory support when there is no option for a heart transplant). An implanted cardioverter-defibrillator or pacemaker is not a bridge to transplant and will only correct the conduction disturbance and not the pumping efficiency. An IABP is a temporary, secondary mechanical circulatory pump to supplement the ineffectual contraction of the left ventricle. The IABP is intended for only a few days.
A client develops cardiogenic pulmonary edema and is extremely apprehensive. What medication can the nurse administer with a health care provider's prescription that will relieve anxiety and slow respiratory rate?
- A. Furosemide
- B. Nitroglycerin
- C. Dopamine
- D. Morphine sulfate
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Morphine seems to help relieve respiratory symptoms by depressing higher cerebral centers, thus relieving anxiety and slowing respiratory rate. Morphine also promotes muscle relaxation and reduces the work of breathing. Furosemide is a loop diuretic and will decrease fluid accumulation but will not reduce anxiety. Nitroglycerin will promote smooth muscle relaxation in the vessel walls and will relieve pain but not reduce anxiety. Dopamine is an inotrope that will increase the force of ventricular contraction but will not alleviate anxiety.
A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of heart failure, and the health care provider prescribes a BNP level. What results would indicate to the nurse that the client is in moderate heart failure?
- A. 120 pg/mL
- B. 400 pg/mL
- C. 780 pg/mL
- D. 980 pg/mL
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The result of 780 pg/mL indicates that the client has moderate heart failure, 120 pg/mL indicates that the client has heart failure present, 400 pg/mL indicates that the client has mild heart failure, and 980 pg/mL indicates that the client is in severe heart failure.
A client with severe mitral valve insufficiency has been admitted to the unit. The client has heart failure and has developed pulmonary edema. What would be the best course of treatment for this client?
- A. Cardiac glycosides
- B. Beta-blockers
- C. Surgery
- D. Palliative care
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: If the cause of heart failure and pulmonary edema can be corrected surgically (e.g., a mitral valve disorder), the client is supported medically while being prepared for surgery. The other options do not have the potential to reverse or stabilize this client's disease process, so they would not be the best treatment option.
A client diagnosed with heart failure has been admitted to the ICU prior to invasive treatment. What treatment could be considered curative for this client?
- A. Cardiomyoplasty
- B. External pacemaker placement
- C. Surgical ventricular restoration
- D. Ventricular assist device
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A procedure known as surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) decreases the size of the heart to a near normal size and shape by removing dysfunctional heart muscle that does not contract properly. Once the adynamic (nonfunctioning) area is removed, the ventricle is repaired with a patch. In the cases that were studied, 91% were free of congestive heart failure after surgery with an ejection fraction that increased from 30% to 40%. A cardiomyoplasty, placement of an external pacemaker, or a ventricular assist device are not considered curative for heart failure.
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