Nursing Elites

1. What is the average cardiac output?

• A. Approximately 4 to 6 L per minute
• B. Approximately 4 to 8 L per minute
• C. Approximately 5 to 8 L per minute
• D. Approximately 3 to 7 L per minute

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Approximately 4 to 8 L per minute. Cardiac output is defined as the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, typically ranging between 4 to 8 liters. Choices A, C, and D provide ranges that are either too narrow or outside the standard average values for cardiac output, making them incorrect.

2. What is the buildup of plaque in the arteries that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases?

• A. Atherosclerosis
• B. Arteriosclerosis
• C. Hypertension
• D. Diabetes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Atherosclerosis is the correct answer. It is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to the narrowing of blood vessels, reduced blood flow, and an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. Arteriosclerosis (choice B) refers to the hardening and thickening of arterial walls, while hypertension (choice C) is high blood pressure, and diabetes (choice D) is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect in the context of the question.

3. The nurse is caring for a heart client on digoxin and notes a potassium level of 2.5. What is the appropriate priority nursing intervention?

• A. Do nothing as this is a normal potassium level.
• B. The potassium level is low so the nurse asks for an order for potassium.
• C. The nurse asks to check the digoxin level as low potassium can increase digoxin toxicity.
• D. The nurse stops the digoxin.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. When caring for a client on digoxin with a low potassium level, the priority nursing intervention is to check the digoxin level. Low potassium can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Checking the digoxin level will help determine if any adjustments to the medication regimen are needed to prevent potential harm. Choice A is incorrect as a potassium level of 2.5 is low, not normal. Choice B is not the priority as simply giving potassium may not address the underlying issue of potential digoxin toxicity. Choice D is not the initial action to take without assessing the digoxin level first.

4. Which term refers to high blood pressure, a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hypotension
• C. Hyperlipidemia
• D. Diabetes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Hypertension. Hypertension is a condition characterized by persistently high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Choice B, Hypotension, refers to low blood pressure. Choice C, Hyperlipidemia, is the term for high levels of fats in the blood. Choice D, Diabetes, is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels.

5. For what reason might the nurse be given an order to administer milrinone (Primacor)?

• A. For congestive heart failure
• B. For hypertension
• C. For cardiac arrhythmias
• D. For bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Milrinone is commonly prescribed for congestive heart failure to help improve cardiac function and alleviate symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as milrinone is not typically used for hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, or bradycardia. It is specifically indicated for congestive heart failure for short-term management.

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