Nursing Elites

1. What test measures the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time, typically 24 to 48 hours?

• A. Holter monitor
• B. Echocardiogram
• C. Stress test
• D. Arterial blood gas (ABG)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Holter monitor. A Holter monitor is a portable device that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of 24 to 48 hours. It is used to detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions. Choice B, Echocardiogram, is a test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart's structure and function, not focused on the electrical activity. Choice C, Stress test, evaluates the heart's function under stress but does not monitor electrical activity over an extended period. Choice D, Arterial blood gas (ABG), measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, unrelated to measuring the electrical activity of the heart over time.

2. The nurse is monitoring a client on dobutamine. What adverse effect should the nurse watch for?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Respiratory distress

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tachycardia. Dobutamine is a medication that stimulates beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, leading to increased heart rate. Therefore, tachycardia is a common adverse effect that the nurse should monitor for. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because dobutamine typically does not cause bradycardia, hypertension, or respiratory distress as its primary adverse effects.

3. When monitoring a client on dobutamine, what is the most important parameter to assess?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Oxygen saturation
• D. Respiratory rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure. When a client is on dobutamine, it is crucial to closely monitor their blood pressure as dobutamine can cause significant changes in blood pressure. While heart rate is also important to monitor during this time, blood pressure is the most critical parameter to assess. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate are also important parameters to monitor in a patient receiving dobutamine, but they are not as crucial as blood pressure in this scenario.

4. The nurse is administering a beta blocker to a client with a heart rate of 58 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A heart rate of 58 bpm is considered low, and beta blockers can further decrease the heart rate. Therefore, the nurse's priority action should be to hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider for further assessment. Choice A is incorrect because administering the beta blocker without considering the low heart rate can worsen the condition. Choice C is incorrect as increasing the dose of the beta blocker can lead to further slowing of the heart rate, which is not safe in this situation. Choice D is not the priority action; holding the medication and seeking guidance from the healthcare provider is more crucial.

5. What is the term that describes the inability of cardiac cells to respond to a new stimulus while they are still in contraction from a previous stimulus?

• A. Refractoriness
• B. Excitability
• C. Contractility
• D. Automaticity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Refractoriness is the correct term to describe the inability of cardiac cells to respond to a new stimulus while they are still in contraction from a previous stimulus. This period is essential for the heart to complete its contraction and relaxation phases without interference. Excitability refers to the ability of cells to respond to stimuli, not the inability to respond. Contractility is the force of cardiac muscle contraction, and automaticity is the ability of cardiac cells to generate electrical impulses spontaneously, which are not relevant to the described scenario.

Similar Questions