Nursing Elites

1. What does the PR interval measure?

• A. Time it takes for the electrical impulse to travel from the atria to the ventricles
• B. Measurement of ventricular depolarization
• C. Duration of ventricular repolarization
• D. Segment representing the time between ventricular depolarization and repolarization

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The PR interval measures the time it takes for the electrical impulse to travel from the atria to the ventricles. It is crucial in diagnosing heart rhythm disorders, as abnormalities in this interval can indicate conduction abnormalities between the atria and ventricles. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization, the QT interval represents the duration of ventricular repolarization, and the ST segment represents the time between ventricular depolarization and repolarization.

2. The nurse is giving nitroglycerin sublingually for chest pain. What is the most important instruction to give to the client?

• A. Place the tablet under the tongue and let it dissolve completely.
• B. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• C. Chew the tablet and then swallow it.
• D. Take one tablet every 5 minutes until pain is relieved.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The tablet should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve completely to ensure rapid absorption. This route of administration allows the medication to be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Choice B is incorrect because nitroglycerin is meant to be absorbed sublingually, not swallowed. Choice C is incorrect as chewing the tablet can cause the medication to be rapidly absorbed, leading to adverse effects like a drop in blood pressure. Choice D is incorrect because the client should take only one tablet every 5 minutes up to a maximum of three tablets for chest pain relief.

3. The client is on hydrochlorothiazide and digoxin. What effect can the nurse expect?

• A. Hydrochlorothiazide increases digoxin levels.
• B. Hydrochlorothiazide decreases digoxin levels.
• C. Hydrochlorothiazide decreases potassium, increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.
• D. Digoxin can increase the effectiveness of hydrochlorothiazide.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that can decrease potassium levels, which in turn can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin typically doesn't impact hydrochlorothiazide levels or effectiveness, making choices A, B, and D incorrect. Choice A stating that hydrochlorothiazide increases digoxin levels is inaccurate. Choice B suggesting that hydrochlorothiazide decreases digoxin levels is also incorrect. Choice D, stating that digoxin can increase the effectiveness of hydrochlorothiazide, is not a typical interaction seen between these medications.

4. What is a condition where the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients?

• A. Stroke
• B. Heart attack
• C. Pulmonary embolism
• D. Pneumonia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to brain cell death and potential disability. Choice B, a heart attack, involves a blockage in the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. Choice C, a pulmonary embolism, is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. Choice D, pneumonia, is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.

5. The client is on furosemide (Lasix) and has a potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Administer potassium supplements.
• B. Hold the furosemide and notify the healthcare provider.
• C. Continue the current dose of furosemide.
• D. Decrease the dose of furosemide.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer potassium supplements. A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss. Therefore, the priority action is to administer potassium supplements to correct the imbalance. Option B is incorrect because holding the furosemide without addressing the low potassium level could further worsen the imbalance. Option C is incorrect as continuing the current dose of furosemide without addressing the low potassium level could lead to complications. Option D is incorrect because decreasing the dose of furosemide does not directly address the low potassium level that needs immediate correction.

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