What test uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the heart, allowing doctors to assess its structure and function?
- A. Echocardiogram
- B. MRI
- C. CT scan
- D. X-ray
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the heart's structure and function in real-time. It is a non-invasive and safe diagnostic tool commonly used to assess heart health. MRI (B) uses magnetic fields and radio waves, CT scan (C) uses X-rays, and X-ray (D) uses electromagnetic radiation, but they do not provide the same level of detail and real-time assessment of the heart as an echocardiogram does.
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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 nurse is caring for a client on digoxin with a heart rate of 48 bpm. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the digoxin as ordered.
- C. Administer atropine to increase the heart rate.
- D. Increase the dose of digoxin.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 48 bpm is below the normal range, indicating bradycardia, a potential side effect of digoxin toxicity. Holding the medication and informing the healthcare provider is crucial to prevent further harm. Administering the digoxin (B) can worsen the bradycardia. Atropine (C) is not the first-line treatment for digoxin-induced bradycardia. Increasing the dose of digoxin (D) can exacerbate toxicity. Overall, prompt action to address the underlying cause is essential in this situation.
In an assessment for intermittent claudication, the cardiac-vascular nurse assesses for leg pain and cramping with exertion, then asks the patient:
- A. Does shortness of breath accompany the leg pain?'
- B. Does this same type of pain occur without activity?'
- C. Is the leg pain relieved by rest?'
- D. Is the leg pain relieved with elevation?'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Intermittent claudication pain typically resolves with rest.
Nurse's role in hemodynamic monitoring.
- A. Data collection
- B. Interpretation
- C. Both A and B
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nurses collect data and interpret findings to guide interventions.
Which type of heart valve disease occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left atrium?
- A. Mitral regurgitation
- B. Aortic stenosis
- C. Tricuspid regurgitation
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mitral regurgitation. When the mitral valve does not close properly, it causes blood to flow backward into the left atrium during the heart's contraction phase. This condition is known as mitral regurgitation. Aortic stenosis (B) is narrowing of the aortic valve, not related to the mitral valve. Tricuspid regurgitation (C) involves the tricuspid valve, not the mitral valve. Pulmonary hypertension (D) is high blood pressure in the lungs, not directly related to a malfunctioning mitral valve.