a client is scheduled for a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty ptca the nurse knows that a ptca is the

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Practice Questions Exam Cram

1. A client is scheduled for a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). The nurse knows that a PTCA is:

A. Surgical repair of a diseased coronary artery
B. Placement of an automatic internal cardiac defibrillator
C. Procedure that compresses plaque against the wall of the diseased coronary artery to improve blood flow
D. Non-invasive radiographic examination of the heart

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is a procedure that compresses plaque against the wall of the diseased coronary artery to improve blood flow. It is performed during a cardiac catheterization to improve coronary artery blood flow in a diseased artery. Surgical repair of a diseased coronary artery is typically done through procedures like aorto-coronary bypass graft (ACBG) rather than PTCA. Placement of an automatic internal cardiac defibrillator (AICD) is a different procedure used for managing cardiac arrhythmias. Non-invasive radiographic examination of the heart refers to procedures like echocardiography or cardiac MRI, not PTCA.

2. A child is suspected of suffering from intussusception. The nurse should be alert to which clinical manifestation of this condition?

A. Tender, distended abdomen
B. Presence of fecal incontinence
C. Incomplete development of the anus
D. Infrequent and difficult passage of dry stools

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Intussusception is an invagination of a section of the intestine into the distal bowel, and it is the most common cause of bowel obstruction in children aged 3 months to 6 years. A tender, distended abdomen is a typical clinical manifestation of intussusception. The presence of fecal incontinence is not a characteristic presentation of intussusception; it describes encopresis, which generally affects preschool and school-aged children but is not specific to intussusception. Incomplete development of the anus describes imperforate anus, a disorder diagnosed in the neonatal period, not intussusception. The infrequent and difficult passage of dry stools is characteristic of constipation, a common issue in children that can occur at any age, although it often peaks at 2 to 3 years old.

3. Which of the following patients is at the greatest risk for a stroke?

A. A 60-year-old male who weighs 270 pounds, has atrial fibrillation, and has had a TIA in the past
B. A 75-year-old male who has frequent migraines, drinks a glass of wine every day, and is Hispanic
C. A 40-year-old female who has high cholesterol and uses oral contraceptives
D. A 65-year-old female who is African American, has sickle cell disease, and smokes cigarettes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the 60-year-old male who has a combination of significant risk factors for stroke, including atrial fibrillation, a history of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), and obesity. These factors greatly increase his risk of stroke. While other choices may have some individual risk factors, they do not collectively pose as high a risk as the patient described in option A. Option B includes migraines and alcohol consumption but lacks other major risk factors seen in option A. Option C mentions high cholesterol and oral contraceptives, which are risk factors but not as significant as atrial fibrillation and a prior TIA. Option D includes smoking and sickle cell disease but lacks the crucial risk factors present in option A.

4. A woman in her third trimester complains of severe heartburn. What is appropriate teaching by the nurse to help the woman alleviate these symptoms?

A. Drink small amounts of liquids frequently
B. Eat the evening meal at least 2-3 hours before bedtime
C. Take sodium bicarbonate after each meal
D. Sleep with head propped on several pillows

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During the third trimester, many women experience heartburn due to the pressure of the growing uterus on the stomach. Elevating the head while sleeping can help prevent gastric contents from refluxing back into the esophagus, thus reducing heartburn symptoms. Drinking small amounts of liquids frequently may exacerbate heartburn by increasing stomach distension. Eating the evening meal just before retiring can also worsen heartburn symptoms as lying down shortly after eating can promote reflux. Taking sodium bicarbonate after each meal is not recommended as it can disrupt the body's natural pH balance and lead to other complications.

5. What is the most frequent cause for suicide in adolescents?

A. Progressive failure to adapt
B. Feelings of anger or hostility
C. Reunion wish or fantasy
D. Feelings of alienation or isolation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Feelings of alienation or isolation are the most frequent cause for suicide in adolescents. Adolescents may experience a gradual isolation leading to a loss of meaningful social contacts, which can be self-imposed or result from an inability to express feelings. During this developmental stage, achieving a sense of identity and peer acceptance is crucial. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: Progressive failure to adapt, feelings of anger or hostility, and reunion wish or fantasy are not typically identified as the primary cause of suicide in adolescents.