What structure separates the left and right sides of the heart?
- A. Interventricular septum
- B. Endocardium
- C. Epicardium
- D. Pericardium
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Interventricular septum. This structure separates the left and right sides of the heart, forming a barrier between the two ventricles. It ensures that oxygenated and deoxygenated blood do not mix within the heart chambers. The endocardium (B) is the inner layer of the heart's chambers, the epicardium (C) is the outer layer of the heart, and the pericardium (D) is the sac surrounding the heart. These structures do not specifically separate the left and right sides of the heart.
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The client on digoxin has a potassium level of 2.7 mEq/L. 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. Administer potassium supplements.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A potassium level of 2.7 mEq/L is below the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L), which can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Holding the digoxin and informing the healthcare provider is crucial to prevent potential harm. Administering the digoxin (choice B) can exacerbate toxicity symptoms. Increasing the dose of digoxin (choice C) is contraindicated due to the low potassium level. Administering potassium supplements (choice D) may be necessary, but the priority is to address the digoxin therapy first.
Which of the following is a chronic lung disease that results in the gradual destruction of the alveoli, causing difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen exchange?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Pulmonary hypertension
- D. Sarcoidosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Emphysema. Emphysema is characterized by the gradual destruction of the alveoli in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen exchange. This destruction impairs the lung's ability to expand and contract properly, causing shortness of breath. Bronchitis (B) is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not alveoli destruction. Pulmonary hypertension (C) is high blood pressure in the lungs, not alveoli destruction. Sarcoidosis (D) is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation in different organs, not specifically targeting the alveoli.
The patient is experiencing chest pain and pain radiating to his arms, jaw, and back. The provider diagnosed his condition as a myocardial infarction. The patient asks what happened to him. The best response is:
- A. You cannot tell him what has happened; he needs to wait for the provider to return and explain what is going on currently.
- B. His aortic valve was malformed at birth causing a disruption in blood flow.
- C. All patients who are overweight like him will have a heart attack.
- D. One or more arteries that supply blood to his heart are blocked, thereby preventing an adequate amount of blood from getting to his cardiac muscles.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A myocardial infarction occurs when there is a blockage in one or more arteries supplying blood to the heart.
What is the condition where the lungs become filled with fluid, often due to heart failure, making it difficult to breathe?
- A. Pulmonary edema
- B. Pleural effusion
- C. Pulmonary hypertension
- D. Pneumothorax
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Pulmonary edema is the condition where lungs fill with fluid due to heart failure, causing breathing difficulty.
2. Pleural effusion is fluid accumulation in the pleural space, not in the lung tissue.
3. Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, not related to fluid accumulation.
4. Pneumothorax is the presence of air in the pleural space, not fluid.
Summary:
Pulmonary edema is the correct answer as it specifically describes the condition of fluid accumulation in the lungs due to heart failure, leading to breathing difficulties. Pleural effusion, pulmonary hypertension, and pneumothorax are incorrect as they involve different pathologies not related to lung fluid accumulation.
What is the primary BP effect of β-adrenergic blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin)?
- A. Vasodilation of arterioles by blocking movement of calcium into cells
- B. Decrease Na+ and water reabsorption by blocking the effect of aldosterone
- C. Decrease CO by decreasing rate and strength of the heart and renin secretion by the kidneys
- D. Vasodilation caused by inhibiting sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system (CNS)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: β-blockers reduce cardiac workload and renin release.