What is the condition where a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, causing shortness of breath, chest pain, and other symptoms?
- A. Pulmonary embolism
- B. Pneumothorax
- C. Pleural effusion
- D. Aneurysm
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks an artery, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. This happens because the clot obstructs blood flow to the lung tissue, causing a decrease in oxygen levels. The other choices, B: Pneumothorax, C: Pleural effusion, and D: Aneurysm, do not involve a blood clot blocking an artery in the lungs. Pneumothorax is a collapsed lung due to air in the chest cavity, Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the space between the lungs and chest wall, and an Aneurysm is a bulging and weakened blood vessel.
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What is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body?
- A. Heart failure
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Pulmonary edema
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Heart failure is the correct answer because it is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively.
Step 2: This ineffective pumping leads to fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary congestion) and other parts of the body (edema).
Step 3: Myocardial infarction (B) is incorrect as it is an acute condition resulting from a blockage in coronary arteries causing heart muscle damage.
Step 4: Pericarditis (C) is incorrect as it is inflammation of the pericardium, the outer lining of the heart, not directly related to heart pumping efficiency.
Step 5: Pulmonary edema (D) is incorrect as it specifically refers to fluid accumulation in the lungs, not necessarily linked to heart failure.
The diagnostic test that is most useful in differentiating the dyspnea related to pulmonary effects of heart failure from the dyspnea of pulmonary disease is
- A. Exercise stress testing
- B. A cardiac catheterization
- C. B-type natriuretic peptide (bNP) levels
- D. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: bNP is released from the ventricles in response to ventricular stretch and is a good marker for heart failure. If the bNP is elevated, shortness of breath is due to heart failure.
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.
The nurse is administering digoxin to a client with a heart rate of 45 bpm. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the digoxin as ordered.
- C. Increase the dose of digoxin.
- D. Monitor the client's heart rate and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. Digoxin is a medication that can slow down the heart rate, and a heart rate of 45 bpm is below the normal range. Holding the medication and informing the healthcare provider is the priority to prevent potential harm from further slowing the heart rate. Administering the digoxin as ordered (B) would worsen the bradycardia. Increasing the dose of digoxin (C) would be dangerous. Monitoring the client's heart rate and reassessing in 30 minutes (D) may delay necessary intervention.
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.