Nursing Elites

1. What term refers to the degree of myocardial fiber stretch before contraction, related to the volume of blood distending the ventricles at the end of diastole, and determined by the amount of venous return?

• A. Preload
• B. Afterload
• C. Contractility
• D. Ejection fraction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Preload. Preload is the degree of myocardial fiber stretch before contraction, influenced by the volume of blood returning to the heart. This parameter is related to the amount of blood in the ventricles at the end of diastole. Choice B, Afterload, refers to the pressure or resistance that the ventricles must overcome to eject blood. Choice C, Contractility, is the intrinsic ability of the heart muscle to contract. Choice D, Ejection fraction, is the percentage of blood pumped out of the ventricles with each contraction.

2. What term describes a condition where a person experiences difficulty breathing when lying flat and requires multiple pillows to sleep comfortably?

• A. Orthopnea
• B. Dyspnea
• C. Tachypnea
• D. Bradypnea

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Orthopnea. Orthopnea is a condition where a person finds it hard to breathe while lying flat and needs to use multiple pillows to sleep comfortably. This position helps relieve the discomfort by allowing better lung expansion. Choice B, Dyspnea, refers to difficulty breathing in general, not specifically related to lying flat. Choice C, Tachypnea, is rapid breathing and is not directly related to difficulty breathing while lying down. Choice D, Bradypnea, is slow breathing and does not describe the condition of having trouble breathing when lying flat.

3. 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.

4. From where do these originate, behind the cusps of the aortic valve, in an area known as Valsalva’s sinus?

• A. Pulmonary valve
• B. Aortic valve
• C. Tricuspid valve
• D. Mitral valve

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Aortic valve. The aortic valve is a semilunar valve located between the left ventricle and the aorta. It prevents the backflow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle. The pulmonary valve (choice A) is located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, not in the Valsalva’s sinus area. The tricuspid valve (choice C) is situated between the right atrium and right ventricle, and the mitral valve (choice D) is located between the left atrium and left ventricle, making them incorrect choices for this question.

5. What is the condition where the walls of the heart's ventricles become thickened, reducing the heart's ability to pump blood effectively?

• A. Ventricular hypertrophy
• B. Atrial fibrillation
• C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
• D. Cardiomyopathy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Ventricular hypertrophy is the correct answer. In ventricular hypertrophy, the walls of the heart's ventricles become thickened, which decreases the heart's efficiency in pumping blood. Atrial fibrillation (choice B) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to poor blood flow. While restrictive cardiomyopathy (choice C) involves the heart muscle becoming rigid and less compliant, it is not specifically characterized by thickening of the ventricular walls. Cardiomyopathy (choice D) is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle, which can present with various symptoms and causes.

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