What is a condition where the alveoli are gradually destroyed, leading to shortness of breath and reduced oxygen exchange?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Pulmonary fibrosis
- C. Pulmonary edema
- D. Lung cancer
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Emphysema is the correct answer. Alveoli destruction in emphysema leads to shortness of breath and reduced oxygen exchange. This condition is primarily caused by smoking and results in irreversible damage to the air sacs in the lungs. Pulmonary fibrosis involves scarring of lung tissue, not alveoli destruction. Pulmonary edema is fluid accumulation in the lungs, disrupting oxygen exchange. Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lung, which may not directly lead to alveoli destruction.
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Which type of medication helps to lower cholesterol levels in the blood?
- A. Statins
- B. Beta-blockers
- C. ACE inhibitors
- D. Diuretics
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Statins are the correct answer as they specifically target and lower cholesterol levels in the blood by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in the liver responsible for producing cholesterol. Statins are proven to reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of cardiovascular events. Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics do not directly affect cholesterol levels; beta-blockers are used for managing blood pressure and heart rate, ACE inhibitors for blood pressure and heart function, and diuretics for reducing fluid buildup in the body. Therefore, statins are the most appropriate medication for lowering cholesterol levels.
Which condition occurs when the heart muscle is damaged due to a lack of oxygen, often resulting from a heart attack?
- A. Myocardial infarction
- B. Angina
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Pulmonary embolism
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when the heart muscle is damaged due to a lack of oxygen supply, often caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries. This results in irreversible damage to the heart tissue.
Explanation:
A: Myocardial infarction is the correct answer as it specifically refers to heart muscle damage due to oxygen deprivation.
B: Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, but it does not result in permanent damage like a heart attack.
C: Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, and does not directly involve heart muscle damage.
D: Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary artery in the lungs, not directly related to heart muscle damage.
What is the condition where the heart's mitral valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle?
- A. Mitral stenosis
- B. Aortic stenosis
- C. Tricuspid regurgitation
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mitral stenosis. Mitral stenosis refers to the narrowing of the mitral valve, which obstructs blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. This condition leads to increased pressure in the left atrium and lungs, causing symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue.
Explanation:
1. Mitral stenosis specifically involves the mitral valve, not the aortic valve (B) or the tricuspid valve (C).
2. Tricuspid regurgitation (C) involves leakage of blood backward through the tricuspid valve, not narrowing.
3. Pulmonary hypertension (D) is a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs due to various causes, not specifically related to mitral valve narrowing.
You are working in the ED caring for a patient who was just admitted with left anterior chest pain, possible unstable angina or myocardial infarction. Which nursing activity will you accomplish first?
- A. Auscultate heart sounds.
- B. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin.
- C. Insert an IV catheter.
- D. Obtain a brief patient health history.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Relieving chest pain is a priority to reduce myocardial oxygen demand and prevent further damage.
This test measures the amount of blood the heart pumps with each beat, often used to assess heart function.
- A. Ejection fraction
- B. Cardiac output
- C. Stroke volume
- D. End-diastolic volume
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ejection fraction. Ejection fraction is the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart's left ventricle with each contraction. It is a key indicator of heart function and can help diagnose heart conditions such as heart failure. Cardiac output (B) is the total amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute, not the amount pumped with each beat. Stroke volume (C) is the amount of blood pumped by the heart in one contraction, not specifically with each beat. End-diastolic volume (D) is the amount of blood in the ventricle before contraction, not the amount pumped with each beat.