Nursing Elites

1. A client on a beta blocker has a heart rate of 52 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Administer the beta blocker as ordered.
• C. Increase the dose of the beta blocker.
• D. Continue to monitor the client and reassess in 30 minutes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 52 bpm is low, and beta blockers can further decrease the heart rate, potentially causing harm. Therefore, withholding the medication and promptly informing the healthcare provider is crucial for further assessment and possible adjustment of the treatment plan. Administering the beta blocker as ordered (Choice B) can exacerbate the bradycardia. Increasing the dose of the beta blocker (Choice C) would further suppress the heart rate. Continuing to monitor the client and reassessing in 30 minutes (Choice D) might delay necessary interventions and increase the risk of complications in a client with a heart rate of 52 bpm.

2. What is a severe allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing and shock?

• A. Anaphylaxis
• B. Asthma attack
• C. Bronchospasm
• D. Hypersensitivity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Anaphylaxis is the correct answer. It is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can lead to difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. An asthma attack is a separate condition characterized by narrowed airways and difficulty breathing, but it is not necessarily related to an allergic reaction like anaphylaxis. Bronchospasm refers to the sudden constriction of muscles in the bronchi, leading to breathing difficulties, and is not specific to allergic reactions. Hypersensitivity is a general term for an exaggerated immune response to a substance, which may or may not manifest as severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis.

3. What is the ability of cardiac cells to respond to an impulse by contracting?

• A. Excitability
• B. Contractility
• C. Rhythmicity
• D. Conductivity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Excitability is the correct term that describes the ability of cardiac cells to respond to an impulse by contracting. Excitability refers to the cell's ability to respond to stimuli and generate an action potential. Choice B, Contractility, is incorrect as it refers to the ability of cardiac cells to contract after receiving a stimulus, not the response to the impulse itself. Choice C, Rhythmicity, is incorrect as it pertains to the heart's ability to contract rhythmically without external stimulation. Choice D, Conductivity, is incorrect as it refers to the ability of cardiac cells to transmit an impulse from cell to cell, not the direct response to the impulse by contracting.

4. What is a condition where the lung's air sacs become inflamed and fill with fluid or pus, causing cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing?

• A. Pneumonia
• B. Tuberculosis
• C. Asthma
• D. Bronchitis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pneumonia is the correct answer. It is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, leading to the accumulation of fluid or pus, which results in symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Tuberculosis (choice B) is a bacterial infection affecting the lungs but does not typically cause the same acute symptoms as described. Asthma (choice C) is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, not specifically involving the air sacs. Bronchitis (choice D) is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not the air sacs in the lungs, and does not typically cause the same symptoms as pneumonia.

5. The nurse is administering an ACE inhibitor to a client. What is the most common side effect?

• A. Cough
• B. Dizziness
• C. Hypotension
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough. Cough is a well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors due to an increase in bradykinin levels. This irritating cough can be bothersome to clients and should be monitored. Choice B, Dizziness, is not the most common side effect of ACE inhibitors. While ACE inhibitors can cause hypotension (Choice C), cough is more prevalent. Hyperkalemia (Choice D) is a possible side effect of ACE inhibitors but is less common compared to cough.

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