Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is a chronic condition where the heart muscle is weakened and unable to pump blood effectively, often leading to heart failure?

• A. Dilated cardiomyopathy
• B. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
• D. Myocarditis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by the heart muscle being weakened and unable to pump blood effectively, ultimately resulting in heart failure. Choice B, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, involves the heart muscle becoming abnormally thick, reducing the heart's efficiency. Choice C, Restrictive cardiomyopathy, refers to the heart becoming rigid and less able to fill with blood properly. Myocarditis, as in Choice D, is inflammation of the heart muscle usually caused by a viral infection and is different from the chronic weakening seen in dilated cardiomyopathy.

2. The healthcare provider is monitoring a client on an ACE inhibitor. What lab value is most important to monitor?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium. When a client is on an ACE inhibitor, it is crucial to monitor potassium levels because ACE inhibitors can lead to an increase in potassium, potentially causing hyperkalemia. Monitoring sodium levels (Choice B) is not as critical in this scenario. Creatinine levels (Choice C) are important for assessing kidney function but are not the most crucial lab value to monitor with ACE inhibitors. Calcium levels (Choice D) are not directly affected by ACE inhibitors and are not the priority for monitoring in this case.

3. The nurse is caring for a client on amiodarone who develops a cough. What is the most appropriate action?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
• B. Reassure the client that this is a common side effect.
• C. Continue the amiodarone and monitor the client’s symptoms.
• D. Discontinue the amiodarone immediately.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action when a client on amiodarone develops a cough, which can be a sign of pulmonary toxicity, a serious side effect of amiodarone, is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. This is crucial because pulmonary toxicity can lead to severe complications if not addressed promptly. Choices B and C are incorrect as they do not address the potential severity of the situation and may delay necessary intervention. Choice D of discontinuing amiodarone immediately without consulting the healthcare provider can be risky, as sudden discontinuation of the medication may have adverse effects on the client's condition.

4. What test evaluates the heart's response to physical stress, often involving exercise on a treadmill while monitoring the heart?

• A. Stress test
• B. Echocardiogram
• C. Holter monitor
• D. CT angiography

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A stress test, also known as an exercise stress test, evaluates the heart's response to physical stress by monitoring its activity during exercise, typically on a treadmill. This test helps assess the heart's performance, detect coronary artery disease, and evaluate the effectiveness of heart treatments. Echocardiogram (choice B) is an ultrasound of the heart that provides detailed images of the heart's structure and function, but it does not involve physical stress like a stress test. Holter monitor (choice C) is a device for continuously monitoring the heart's rhythm and rate over a period (usually 24-48 hours), not during exercise. CT angiography (choice D) is a diagnostic test that uses X-rays to visualize blood vessels but does not involve physical stress like a stress test.

5. What is a procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space to help a patient breathe easier?

• A. Thoracentesis
• B. Bronchoscopy
• C. Chest X-ray
• D. CT scan

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct! Thoracentesis is the correct answer. It is a procedure where fluid or air is removed from the pleural space in the chest to help the patient breathe more easily. Bronchoscopy (choice B) is a procedure to visualize the airways, while Chest X-ray (choice C) and CT scan (choice D) are imaging tests and do not involve the removal of fluid or air from the pleural space.

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