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.
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Which condition is characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle?
- A. Angina
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Arrhythmia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Angina. Angina is characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often triggered by physical exertion or stress. It is typically relieved by rest or medication. Myocardial infarction (B) is a heart attack, which results from a complete blockage of blood flow to a part of the heart muscle. Pericarditis (C) is inflammation of the pericardium, the outer lining of the heart, causing sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing. Arrhythmia (D) refers to abnormal heart rhythms and may not necessarily present with chest pain due to reduced blood flow.
The client is on amiodarone. What is the most important side effect to monitor for?
- A. Pulmonary toxicity
- B. Thyroid dysfunction
- C. Liver toxicity
- D. Renal dysfunction
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary toxicity. Amiodarone is known to cause potentially fatal pulmonary toxicity, including interstitial pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis. Monitoring for pulmonary symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, and chest pain is crucial. Choice B (Thyroid dysfunction) is a common side effect but is typically less urgent. Choices C (Liver toxicity) and D (Renal dysfunction) are possible side effects of amiodarone, but pulmonary toxicity is the most important to monitor due to its severity and potential fatality.
As the cardiac-vascular nurse prepares to administer an experimental cardiac drug to a patient who is participating in a research study, the patient states that they no longer want the medication. The nurse advises the patient that:
- A. participation in the study is critical to improving the quality of patient outcomes.
- B. the medication dose has been scheduled for administration.
- C. the primary investigator will speak with the patient about their decision.
- D. they have the right to refuse the medication and to withdraw from the study.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Patients have the right to refuse treatment or withdraw from a study at any time.
What type of stroke is caused by a blockage in an artery supplying blood to the brain?
- A. Ischemic stroke
- B. Hemorrhagic stroke
- C. Transient ischemic attack
- D. Embolism
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ischemic stroke. This type of stroke is caused by a blockage in an artery supplying blood to the brain, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. This blockage can be due to a blood clot or plaque buildup. Ischemic strokes account for the majority of stroke cases.
Incorrect choices:
B: Hemorrhagic stroke - This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, leading to bleeding in the brain.
C: Transient ischemic attack - Also known as a mini-stroke, it is caused by a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, often resolving on its own without permanent damage.
D: Embolism - This refers to a condition where a blood clot or other foreign material travels through the bloodstream and blocks a blood vessel in the brain.
The client on a beta blocker has a blood pressure of 88/58 mm Hg. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the beta blocker as ordered.
- C. Increase the dose of the beta blocker.
- D. Continue to monitor the client and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. A blood pressure of 88/58 mm Hg is considered hypotension, which can be a serious side effect of beta blockers. By holding the medication and notifying the healthcare provider, the nurse ensures prompt assessment and appropriate intervention. Administering the beta blocker (B) could further lower the blood pressure. Increasing the dose (C) would exacerbate the hypotension. Continuing to monitor and reassess (D) is not sufficient as immediate action is required due to the low blood pressure reading.