What is a condition characterized by episodes of severe, acute shortness of breath, often occurring at night?
- A. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
- B. Sleep apnea
- C. Orthopnea
- D. Dyspnea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. This condition is characterized by sudden, severe shortness of breath at night. It can be caused by heart failure or other cardiac conditions. Sleep apnea (B) is a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, not specifically related to acute shortness of breath. Orthopnea (C) is difficulty breathing while lying flat and is not specific to nighttime episodes. Dyspnea (D) is a general term for difficulty breathing and does not specifically refer to acute episodes at night.
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Which surgical procedure involves grafting a blood vessel to bypass a blocked artery in the heart?
- A. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
- B. Valve replacement
- C. Stent placement
- D. Angioplasty
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). This procedure involves grafting a blood vessel to bypass a blocked artery in the heart, improving blood flow. Valve replacement (B) is not a procedure for bypassing blocked arteries. Stent placement (C) involves inserting a mesh tube to keep the artery open but does not involve grafting a blood vessel. Angioplasty (D) is a procedure to widen blocked arteries using a balloon, not grafting a blood vessel. Therefore, the correct choice is CABG.
Which of the following conditions is characterized by inflammation of the heart muscle, often due to a viral infection, leading to impaired heart function?
- A. Myocarditis
- B. Endocarditis
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Cardiomyopathy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Myocarditis is the correct answer because it specifically refers to inflammation of the heart muscle often caused by a viral infection, leading to impaired heart function. It directly addresses the condition described in the question. Endocarditis is inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, not the heart muscle. Pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart, not the heart muscle. Cardiomyopathy is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle that impair its ability to pump blood, but it does not specifically mention inflammation caused by viral infections.
The client on furosemide (Lasix) is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?
- A. Hyperkalemia
- B. Hypokalemia
- C. Hyponatremia
- D. Hypernatremia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases potassium excretion in the urine, leading to low potassium levels in the body. Hypokalemia can result in muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and other serious complications. Hyperkalemia (choice A) is the opposite condition of high potassium levels and is not typically associated with furosemide use. Hyponatremia (choice C) is a low sodium level, which may be a potential side effect of furosemide but is not the primary electrolyte imbalance to be concerned about. Hypernatremia (choice D) is high sodium levels and is not directly related to furosemide use.
Your patient tells you that he has chest pains when he performs strenuous work, particularly shoveling his long driveway. He is not concerned about the pain, as it always clears up if he rests for a couple of minutes. The description of his chest pain is typical of:
- A. Stable angina.
- B. Normal aging
- C. Unstable angina.
- D. Prinzmetal's angina.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Stable angina occurs during physical exertion and resolves with rest or nitroglycerin.
What is a condition where the heart's electrical impulses are delayed or blocked, leading to a slower or irregular heartbeat?
- A. Heart block
- B. Tachycardia
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Arrhythmia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart block. Heart block is a condition where the electrical impulses in the heart are delayed or blocked, leading to a slower or irregular heartbeat. This can result in symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and fainting. Tachycardia (B) is a condition of a fast heart rate, not a delayed or blocked impulse. Bradycardia (C) is a slow heart rate, but it doesn't necessarily involve delayed or blocked impulses. Arrhythmia (D) is a broad term for any irregular heartbeat pattern, not specifically related to delayed or blocked impulses.