Nursing Elites

1. A client on spironolactone (Aldactone) has a potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Administer a potassium supplement.
• C. Continue the spironolactone as ordered.
• D. Increase the dose of spironolactone.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for a client on spironolactone with a potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L is to hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can further elevate potassium levels, which are already high. Administering a potassium supplement (Choice B) would exacerbate the hyperkalemia. Continuing the spironolactone as ordered (Choice C) could lead to worsening hyperkalemia. Increasing the dose of spironolactone (Choice D) would be contraindicated in the presence of elevated potassium levels.

2. Which of the following is a central vasodilator and peripheral vasoconstrictor?

• A. Sympathetic nervous system
• B. Parasympathetic nervous system
• C. Norepinephrine
• D. Acetylcholine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is a branch of the autonomic nervous system that is responsible for the fight-or-flight response. It causes vasodilation in central vessels to increase blood flow to vital organs during stress or exercise, while inducing vasoconstriction in peripheral vessels to redirect blood to essential areas. Norepinephrine and acetylcholine are neurotransmitters associated with the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, respectively, but they are not themselves central vasodilators and peripheral vasoconstrictors.

3. What is a condition where the heart muscle is weakened and unable to pump blood effectively, often leading to heart failure?

• A. Cardiomyopathy
• B. Myocarditis
• C. Endocarditis
• D. Pericarditis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cardiomyopathy is the correct answer. In cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle becomes weak and cannot pump blood effectively, which can lead to heart failure. Myocarditis (choice B) is inflammation of the heart muscle, not specifically causing muscle weakness. Endocarditis (choice C) is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. Pericarditis (choice D) is inflammation of the pericardium, the outer lining of the heart.

4. What condition is characterized by the inflammation of the heart's outer lining, often causing chest pain and other symptoms?

• A. Pericarditis
• B. Endocarditis
• C. Myocarditis
• D. Valvular heart disease

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pericarditis is the correct answer because it is the inflammation of the pericardium, the outer lining of the heart. This condition commonly presents with symptoms like chest pain. Endocarditis (choice B) is the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. Myocarditis (choice C) is the inflammation of the heart muscle itself. Valvular heart disease (choice D) refers to various conditions affecting the heart valves, not specifically the outer lining of the heart.

5. Which procedure is used to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients with arrhythmias, typically using electrical shocks?

• A. Cardioversion
• B. Defibrillation
• C. Ablation
• D. Angioplasty

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardioversion. Cardioversion is the procedure used to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients with arrhythmias by delivering controlled electrical shocks to the heart. Choice B, Defibrillation, is incorrect because defibrillation is used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias by delivering an unsynchronized high-energy shock to the heart. Choice C, Ablation, is incorrect as it involves destroying abnormal tissue that causes arrhythmias, not necessarily restoring normal heart rhythm. Choice D, Angioplasty, is unrelated to heart rhythm restoration and is a procedure to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels.

Similar Questions