Nursing Elites

1. When administering furosemide (Lasix) to a client, which lab value is most important to monitor?

• A. Potassium
• B. Sodium
• C. Calcium
• D. Chloride

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When administering furosemide (Lasix), it is crucial to monitor potassium levels closely. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss, potentially causing hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels helps prevent adverse effects associated with low potassium, such as cardiac arrhythmias. While monitoring sodium, calcium, and chloride levels may also be important in certain situations, potassium is the most critical to monitor when administering furosemide.

2. What is a condition where the heart's mitral valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak backward into the left atrium?

• A. Mitral valve prolapse
• B. Aortic stenosis
• C. Mitral stenosis
• D. Tricuspid regurgitation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mitral valve prolapse is the correct answer. It occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, leading to blood leaking backward into the left atrium. This condition can manifest with symptoms such as palpitations and chest pain. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because aortic stenosis involves narrowing of the aortic valve, mitral stenosis is the narrowing of the mitral valve, and tricuspid regurgitation is when blood leaks backward through the tricuspid valve.

3. When administering enoxaparin (Lovenox) to a client for DVT prophylaxis, what is the most important lab value to monitor?

• A. Platelet count
• B. PT/INR
• C. aPTT
• D. Hemoglobin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count. When administering enoxaparin (Lovenox) for DVT prophylaxis, it is crucial to monitor the platelet count as enoxaparin can lead to thrombocytopenia, a decrease in platelet levels. Monitoring the platelet count helps in early detection of this potential adverse effect. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because PT/INR, aPTT, and hemoglobin levels are not the most important lab values to monitor specifically for enoxaparin administration and DVT prophylaxis.

4. What is this surgical procedure that restores blood flow to the heart by diverting blood around a blocked artery?

• A. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
• B. Angioplasty
• C. Stent placement
• D. Valve replacement

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), which is a surgical procedure to improve blood flow to the heart by redirecting blood around blocked or narrowed arteries. This procedure is specifically designed to bypass blocked coronary arteries, allowing blood to flow more freely to the heart muscle. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because angioplasty involves opening up narrowed or blocked blood vessels, stent placement involves inserting a mesh tube to keep arteries open, and valve replacement involves replacing a damaged heart valve - none of which directly address diverting blood flow around a blocked artery.

5. Which of the following conditions is characterized by inflammation of the heart muscle, often due to a viral infection, leading to impaired heart function?

• A. Myocarditis
• B. Endocarditis
• C. Pericarditis
• D. Cardiomyopathy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Myocarditis. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle, typically caused by a viral infection. It can impair the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently, potentially leading to other complications. Endocarditis (choice B) is an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. Pericarditis (choice C) is inflammation of the pericardium, the outer lining of the heart. Cardiomyopathy (choice D) is a disease of the heart muscle that affects the heart's ability to pump blood.

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