Nokea
You are the charge nurse for the coronary care step-down unit. Which patient is best to assign to an RN who has floated for the day from the general medical-surgical unit?
- A. Patient requiring discharge teaching about coronary artery stenting prior to going home with spouse today.
- B. Patient receiving IV furosemide (Lasix) to treat acute left ventricular failure.
- C. Patient just transferred from the radiology department after a coronary angioplasty.
- D. Patient just admitted with unstable angina and who has orders for a heparin infusion and aspirin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Discharge teaching is less complex and allows the floating RN to focus on educating without needing extensive cardiac experience.
You may also like to solve these questions
What is a condition where the heart's electrical impulses are blocked or delayed, leading to a slower or irregular heartbeat?
- A. Heart block
- B. Atrial fibrillation
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart block. Heart block refers to a condition where the heart's electrical impulses are blocked or delayed, leading to a slower or irregular heartbeat. This occurs when there is interference with the electrical signals that control the heart's rhythm as they travel through the heart's conduction system. Atrial fibrillation (B) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can occur due to chaotic electrical signals in the heart's upper chambers. Tachycardia (C) is a condition where the heart rate is too fast, not slower or irregular. Bradycardia (D) refers to a slow heart rate but not necessarily due to electrical impulse blockage.
This is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
- A. Heart failure
- B. Cardiomyopathy
- C. Myocarditis
- D. Pericarditis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart failure. In heart failure, the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue. This condition can result from various causes like hypertension or heart attacks. Cardiomyopathy (B) refers to diseases of the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure but is not the same thing. Myocarditis (C) is inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis (D) is inflammation of the pericardium, both of which can cause heart failure but are not the primary condition described in the question.
The nurse is teaching a client about the side effects of beta blockers. What is the most important side effect to monitor?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypotension. Beta blockers can cause a decrease in blood pressure, leading to hypotension. Monitoring for hypotension is crucial as it can result in dizziness, fainting, or even shock. Bradycardia (choice B) is a common side effect but usually not as critical as hypotension. Hyperkalemia (choice C) is a potential side effect of some beta blockers but is less common and typically not as urgent as hypotension. Tachycardia (choice D) is the opposite of what beta blockers typically cause, making it an unlikely side effect to monitor for in this case.
Which measure is used to relieve the symptoms of left-sided heart failure?
- A. Weighing the patient daily
- B. Applying an abdominal binder
- C. Maintaining total bed rest
- D. Elevating the patient's head
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Head elevation reduces pulmonary congestion.
Priority Decision: While teaching women about the risks and incidence of CAD, what does the nurse emphasize?
- A. Smoking is not as significant a risk factor for CAD in women as it is in men
- B. Women seek treatment sooner than men when they have symptoms of CAD
- C. Estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women decreases the risk for CAD
- D. CAD is the leading cause of death in women, with a higher mortality rate after MI than in men
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: CAD is a major cause of mortality in women.