Nursing Elites

1. A client on an ACE inhibitor reports a persistent cough. What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. Reassure the client that the cough is a common side effect and is usually not serious.
• B. Instruct the client to report the cough to the healthcare provider as it may require discontinuation of the medication.
• C. Advise the client to use a humidifier at night to relieve the cough.
• D. Suggest the client take an over-the-counter cough suppressant.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A persistent cough in a client on an ACE inhibitor may indicate a serious side effect that requires discontinuation of the medication. Instructing the client to report the cough to the healthcare provider is essential for proper evaluation and management. Choice A is incorrect because simply reassuring the client may delay necessary action. Choice C is incorrect as using a humidifier may not address the underlying cause of the cough. Choice D is incorrect because taking a cough suppressant without healthcare provider guidance may mask symptoms without addressing the cause.

2. 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 an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram utilizes high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the heart, enabling doctors to evaluate its structure, function, and detect any abnormalities. MRI (Choice B) uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body's structures. CT scan (Choice C) combines X-rays and computer technology to create cross-sectional images of the body. X-ray (Choice D) uses electromagnetic radiation to produce images of the internal structures of the body, but it is not the most suitable for assessing the heart's structure and function.

3. What is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed due to the buildup of plaque?

• A. Atherosclerosis
• B. Aneurysm
• C. Arrhythmia
• D. Peripheral artery disease

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Atherosclerosis is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries supplying blood to the heart due to plaque buildup. This condition increases the risk of heart attacks. Choice B, aneurysm, refers to a balloon-like bulge in an artery, not the hardening and narrowing of arteries. Choice C, arrhythmia, is an irregular heartbeat and not related to arterial hardening. Choice D, peripheral artery disease, involves the narrowing of arteries that supply blood to the limbs, not specifically to the heart.

4. 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 most important side effect to monitor when a client is on beta blockers is hypotension. Beta blockers can cause a significant drop in blood pressure, especially at the initiation of therapy. Monitoring for hypotension is crucial to prevent complications such as dizziness, syncope, or falls. While bradycardia can also occur with beta blockers, hypotension takes precedence due to its immediate impact on perfusion. Hyperkalemia is not a common side effect of beta blockers. Tachycardia is actually a condition that beta blockers aim to treat, so it is not a side effect to monitor.

5. What is a condition where the lung's alveoli are permanently enlarged and damaged, leading to shortness of breath?

• A. Emphysema
• B. Bronchitis
• C. Atelectasis
• D. Pulmonary fibrosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Emphysema is the correct answer. It is a chronic lung condition characterized by the permanent enlargement and damage of the alveoli, leading to shortness of breath and impaired oxygen exchange. Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not specifically related to alveolar damage. Atelectasis is the collapse of lung tissue, not enlargement. Pulmonary fibrosis involves scarring and thickening of lung tissue, different from the alveolar damage seen in emphysema.

Similar Questions