Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. What procedure is used to visualize the airways and diagnose lung disease?

• A. Bronchoscopy
• B. Thoracentesis
• C. Pulmonary function test
• D. Chest X-ray

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bronchoscopy is the correct answer because it is a procedure specifically designed to visualize the airways and diagnose lung diseases by allowing doctors to examine the inside of the airways. Thoracentesis involves the removal of fluid from the pleural space around the lungs, not the airways. Pulmonary function tests assess how well the lungs work but do not visualize the airways directly. A chest X-ray provides an image of the lungs and surrounding structures but does not involve direct visualization of the airways.

3. What is the approximate stroke volume of the heart?

• A. Approximately 60 mL of blood per beat
• B. Approximately 70 mL of blood per beat
• C. Approximately 80 mL of blood per beat
• D. Approximately 90 mL of blood per beat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Approximately 70 mL of blood per beat. The stroke volume of the heart is typically around 70 mL, indicating the volume of blood ejected from the left ventricle with each contraction. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the standard approximate stroke volume of the heart, which is around 70 mL per beat.

4. What procedure involves inserting a needle into the pleural space to remove excess fluid and help the patient breathe more easily?

• A. Thoracentesis
• B. Bronchoscopy
• C. Spirometry
• D. Arterial blood gas (ABG)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Thoracentesis is the correct answer. It is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the pleural space to remove excess fluid, aiding in easier breathing. Bronchoscopy (Choice B) is a procedure to visualize the airways and diagnose lung problems, not specifically for fluid drainage. Spirometry (Choice C) is a test to measure lung function, not a procedure for fluid removal. Arterial blood gas (ABG) (Choice D) is a blood test to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, not a procedure for draining fluid from the pleural space.

5. The nurse is caring for a client on amiodarone who develops a cough. What is the most appropriate action?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
• B. Reassure the client that this is a common side effect.
• C. Continue the amiodarone and monitor the client’s symptoms.
• D. Discontinue the amiodarone immediately.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action when a client on amiodarone develops a cough, which can be a sign of pulmonary toxicity, a serious side effect of amiodarone, is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. This is crucial because pulmonary toxicity can lead to severe complications if not addressed promptly. Choices B and C are incorrect as they do not address the potential severity of the situation and may delay necessary intervention. Choice D of discontinuing amiodarone immediately without consulting the healthcare provider can be risky, as sudden discontinuation of the medication may have adverse effects on the client's condition.

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