Which test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions?
- A. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- B. Chest X-ray
- C. MRI
- D. CT scan
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart, detecting arrhythmias and other heart conditions by recording the heart's electrical impulses. This test is non-invasive and provides valuable information about the heart's function. Chest X-ray (B) primarily shows the heart's size and shape, not electrical activity. MRI (C) and CT scan (D) are imaging tests that provide detailed anatomical images but do not directly measure heart electrical activity.
You may also like to solve these questions
What is a condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally enlarged, thickened, or stiffened, often leading to heart failure?
- A. Cardiomyopathy
- B. Pericarditis
- C. Aortic stenosis
- D. Mitral valve prolapse
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy is a condition characterized by abnormal enlargement, thickening, or stiffening of the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure. This condition directly affects the heart muscle itself, causing it to function improperly. Pericarditis (B) is inflammation of the pericardium, the outer lining of the heart, not the heart muscle. Aortic stenosis (C) and Mitral valve prolapse (D) involve issues with heart valves, not the heart muscle itself. Therefore, A is the correct choice as it directly addresses the abnormal changes in the heart muscle leading to heart failure.
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.
The nurse is giving 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: Step 1: Digoxin is primarily used to treat heart conditions.
Step 2: Heart rate is crucial as digoxin can affect the heart rhythm.
Step 3: Monitoring heart rate ensures safety and effectiveness of digoxin.
Step 4: Blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation are important but not as directly impacted by digoxin.
The nurse is giving nitroglycerin sublingually for chest pain. What is the most important instruction to give to the client?
- A. Place the tablet under the tongue and let it dissolve completely.
- B. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
- C. Chew the tablet and then swallow it.
- D. Take one tablet every 5 minutes until pain is relieved.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Place the tablet under the tongue and let it dissolve completely. Nitroglycerin is absorbed quickly through the oral mucosa, providing rapid relief for chest pain. Placing it under the tongue allows for direct absorption into the bloodstream. Swallowing the tablet whole (B) would delay absorption. Chewing the tablet (C) would cause rapid absorption and possibly lead to a drop in blood pressure. Taking one tablet every 5 minutes (D) is not recommended as it can lead to hypotension. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate instruction for the client.
Which of the following is a rare but serious condition where the pulmonary arteries become narrowed, increasing the blood pressure in the lungs?
- A. Pulmonary hypertension
- B. Pulmonary embolism
- C. Pulmonary fibrosis
- D. Aortic stenosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary hypertension. This condition is characterized by narrowing of the pulmonary arteries, leading to increased blood pressure in the lungs. Pulmonary embolism (B) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries, not narrowing. Pulmonary fibrosis (C) involves scarring of lung tissue, not artery narrowing. Aortic stenosis (D) is a narrowing of the aortic valve, not the pulmonary arteries. Therefore, the correct choice is A.
Nokea