Nursing Elites

1. What type of medication is used to reduce high blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels?

• A. Calcium channel blocker
• B. Beta-blocker
• C. ACE inhibitor
• D. Diuretic

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Calcium channel blockers are medications that reduce high blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels, facilitating easier blood flow through the vessels. Beta-blockers work by reducing the heart rate and the heart's workload. ACE inhibitors help relax blood vessels by blocking the production of a chemical that narrows blood vessels. Diuretics help the body get rid of excess sodium and water to lower blood pressure, but they do not directly relax blood vessels like calcium channel blockers do.

2. When administering dobutamine to a client, what is the most important parameter to assess?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When giving dobutamine, the most critical parameter to assess is blood pressure. Dobutamine is known to cause significant changes in blood pressure, making it essential to closely monitor this parameter to prevent adverse effects. While heart rate is also important to monitor, blood pressure takes precedence due to the potential for hemodynamic instability caused by dobutamine. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate, although vital signs to monitor, are not typically affected directly by dobutamine administration.

3. The nurse is giving a client an IV bolus of heparin. What is the most important nursing action?

• A. Monitor the client's heart rate.
• B. Check the client's blood pressure.
• C. Check for signs of bleeding.
• D. Monitor the client's respiratory rate.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When administering an IV bolus of heparin, the most important nursing action is to monitor the client's heart rate. Heparin can cause bradycardia as a side effect, making it crucial to assess the heart rate for any abnormalities. Checking the blood pressure (Choice B) is important but not as critical as monitoring the heart rate. While checking for signs of bleeding (Choice C) is essential, it is not the most crucial action when administering heparin. Monitoring the respiratory rate (Choice D) is also important but not as directly related to the potential side effects of heparin as monitoring the heart rate.

4. The client is receiving digoxin and complains of nausea. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Check the client’s digoxin level.
• B. Continue the current dose of digoxin.
• C. Administer an antiemetic for nausea.
• D. Discontinue the digoxin immediately.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client’s digoxin level (Choice A). Nausea can be a sign of digoxin toxicity, so assessing the digoxin level is crucial to determine if the medication dosage needs adjustment. Continuing the current dose of digoxin (Choice B) may worsen the symptoms if toxicity is present. Administering an antiemetic (Choice C) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue of digoxin toxicity. Discontinuing digoxin immediately (Choice D) without assessing the digoxin level can be harmful if the medication is within the therapeutic range.

5. Which of the following conditions is characterized by inflammation of the heart muscle, often due to a viral infection, leading to impaired heart function?

• A. Myocarditis
• B. Endocarditis
• C. Pericarditis
• D. Cardiomyopathy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Myocarditis. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle, typically caused by a viral infection. It can impair the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently, potentially leading to other complications. Endocarditis (choice B) is an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. Pericarditis (choice C) is inflammation of the pericardium, the outer lining of the heart. Cardiomyopathy (choice D) is a disease of the heart muscle that affects the heart's ability to pump blood.

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