Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which type of heart valve disease occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left atrium?

• A. Mitral regurgitation
• B. Aortic stenosis
• C. Tricuspid regurgitation
• D. Pulmonary hypertension

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mitral regurgitation is the correct answer. It occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left atrium. This condition can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and if left untreated, it can progress to heart failure. Aortic stenosis (choice B) is a different heart valve condition characterized by narrowing of the aortic valve, restricting blood flow from the heart. Tricuspid regurgitation (choice C) involves the tricuspid valve not closing properly, leading to blood flowing back into the right atrium. Pulmonary hypertension (choice D) is a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.

3. The nurse is monitoring a client on dobutamine. What adverse effect should the nurse watch for?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Respiratory distress

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tachycardia. Dobutamine is a medication that stimulates beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, leading to increased heart rate. Therefore, tachycardia is a common adverse effect that the nurse should monitor for. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because dobutamine typically does not cause bradycardia, hypertension, or respiratory distress as its primary adverse effects.

4. 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.

5. Which term refers to a condition where the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is blocked, often referred to as a heart attack?

• A. Myocardial infarction
• B. Arrhythmia
• C. Stroke
• D. Aneurysm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, myocardial infarction. A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is blocked, often by a blood clot. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat, stroke involves the interruption of blood flow to the brain, and an aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel.

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