Nursing Elites

1. What is a condition characterized by the presence of air or gas in the pleural space, leading to the collapse of the lung?

• A. Pneumothorax
• B. Pulmonary embolism
• C. Pleural effusion
• D. Atelectasis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Pneumothorax. Pneumothorax occurs when air or gas accumulates in the pleural space, causing the lung to collapse. This condition can result in symptoms such as chest pain and difficulty breathing. Pulmonary embolism (choice B) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by a blood clot. Pleural effusion (choice C) is the accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural space, not air or gas. Atelectasis (choice D) refers to the collapse or closure of a lung resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange.

2. What term refers to the degree of myocardial fiber stretch before contraction, related to the volume of blood distending the ventricles at the end of diastole, and determined by the amount of venous return?

• A. Preload
• B. Afterload
• C. Contractility
• D. Ejection fraction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Preload. Preload is the degree of myocardial fiber stretch before contraction, influenced by the volume of blood returning to the heart. This parameter is related to the amount of blood in the ventricles at the end of diastole. Choice B, Afterload, refers to the pressure or resistance that the ventricles must overcome to eject blood. Choice C, Contractility, is the intrinsic ability of the heart muscle to contract. Choice D, Ejection fraction, is the percentage of blood pumped out of the ventricles with each contraction.

3. The nurse is administering digoxin to a client with a heart rate of 45 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Administer the digoxin as ordered.
• C. Increase the dose of digoxin.
• D. Monitor the client’s heart rate and reassess in 30 minutes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 45 bpm is already low, and digoxin can further decrease the heart rate, leading to serious complications like bradycardia or heart block. Administering the medication can exacerbate the bradycardia, hence it should be withheld. Increasing the dose of digoxin is contraindicated due to the client's low heart rate. Monitoring the heart rate alone without taking immediate action to withhold the medication is not the priority when faced with the risk of further lowering the heart rate.

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

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count. When administering enoxaparin (Lovenox), it is crucial to monitor the platelet count because enoxaparin can cause a rare but serious side effect known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, which is a decrease in platelet count that can lead to increased risk of bleeding. Monitoring the platelet count allows for early detection of this potential complication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because aPTT, Hemoglobin, and INR are not the most important lab values to monitor specifically when administering enoxaparin.

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

• A. Arrhythmia
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Ventricular fibrillation

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.

Similar Questions