Nursing Elites

1. What type of heart disease is characterized by the heart muscle becoming enlarged and weakened, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dilated cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a type of heart disease where the heart muscle becomes enlarged and weakened, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively, which can lead to heart failure. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (B) is characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, not enlargement. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (C) involves the heart muscle becoming stiff and less flexible, limiting its ability to fill with blood properly. Myocarditis (D) is inflammation of the heart muscle, which can affect the heart's function but is different from dilated cardiomyopathy.

2. What is the narrowing of the arteries due to the buildup of plaque, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes?

• A. Coronary artery disease
• B. Peripheral artery disease
• C. Aortic stenosis
• D. Mitral valve prolapse

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Coronary artery disease is the correct answer. It is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to plaque buildup, which can lead to heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues. Choice B, Peripheral artery disease, involves the narrowing of arteries in the limbs, not specifically the coronary arteries. Choice C, Aortic stenosis, refers to the narrowing of the aortic valve opening, not the arteries. Choice D, Mitral valve prolapse, is a condition where the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle doesn't close properly, unrelated to arterial narrowing.

3. A client on spironolactone (Aldactone) has a potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Administer a potassium supplement.
• C. Continue the spironolactone as ordered.
• D. Increase the dose of spironolactone.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for a client on spironolactone with a potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L is to hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can further elevate potassium levels, which are already high. Administering a potassium supplement (Choice B) would exacerbate the hyperkalemia. Continuing the spironolactone as ordered (Choice C) could lead to worsening hyperkalemia. Increasing the dose of spironolactone (Choice D) would be contraindicated in the presence of elevated potassium levels.

4. What is a device that delivers a fine spray of medication into the airways?

• A. Nebulizer
• B. Inhaler
• C. Oxygen concentrator
• D. Peak flow meter

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A nebulizer is a device that converts liquid medication into a fine mist, allowing it to be inhaled directly into the lungs. This makes it the correct answer to the question. Choice B, an inhaler, delivers medication in a different form - as a pressurized dose that needs to be inhaled. Choice C, an oxygen concentrator, is used to deliver oxygen to patients with breathing difficulties but does not deliver medication. Choice D, a peak flow meter, is used to measure how fast air can be blown out of the lungs and is not involved in delivering medication.

5. Which order should the nurse question?

• A. The addition of a loop diuretic with digoxin.
• B. The addition of a beta blocker with digoxin.
• C. A digoxin dose of 0.125 mg per day.
• D. The addition of an ACE inhibitor with digoxin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because adding a beta blocker to digoxin can potentiate the bradycardic effect of digoxin, leading to serious complications such as heart block. This combination requires caution as it can significantly slow down the heart rate. Choices A, C, and D are not the best options to question in this scenario. Loop diuretics are commonly used with digoxin, a digoxin dose of 0.125 mg per day is within the typical range, and ACE inhibitors are often prescribed alongside digoxin for managing heart conditions.

Similar Questions