the client is on a beta blocker for hypertension what should the nurse monitor for
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Cardiovascular System Exam

1. The client is on a beta blocker for hypertension. What should the nurse monitor for?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: When a client is on a beta blocker for hypertension, the nurse should monitor for bradycardia. Beta blockers are known to decrease heart rate, which can lead to bradycardia. Tachycardia (choice B) is unlikely as beta blockers have the opposite effect. Hypertension (choice C) is the condition being treated, not a side effect of beta blockers. Respiratory distress (choice D) is not a common effect of beta blockers and is not typically monitored in clients taking beta blockers.

2. What is the approximate stroke volume of the heart?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Approximately 70 mL of blood per beat. The stroke volume of the heart is typically around 70 mL, indicating the volume of blood ejected from the left ventricle with each contraction. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the standard approximate stroke volume of the heart, which is around 70 mL per beat.

3. Which condition involves the enlargement and weakening of the left ventricle of the heart, leading to reduced pumping ability?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dilated cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by the enlargement and weakening of the left ventricle of the heart, which results in a reduced ability to pump blood effectively. Choice B, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, involves thickening of the heart muscle, not enlargement. Choice C, Restrictive cardiomyopathy, is characterized by stiffening of the heart muscle, not enlargement. Choice D, Pericarditis, refers to inflammation of the pericardium, the lining surrounding the heart, and does not involve enlargement and weakening of the left ventricle.

4. The client on spironolactone (Aldactone) should avoid which type of food?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Foods high in potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it helps the body retain potassium and excrete sodium. Therefore, clients on spironolactone should avoid foods high in potassium to prevent hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because spironolactone specifically affects potassium levels, not sodium, calcium, or chloride.

5. What is a condition where the heart's electrical system malfunctions, leading to an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Arrhythmia. Arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat caused by the malfunction of the heart's electrical system. Bradycardia (choice B) is a condition characterized by a slow heart rate, while Tachycardia (choice C) is a condition characterized by a fast heart rate. Ventricular fibrillation (choice D) is a life-threatening arrhythmia where the heart's lower chambers quiver erratically.

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