Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is administering digoxin to a client with a heart rate of 45 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Administer the digoxin as ordered.
• C. Increase the dose of digoxin.
• D. Monitor the client’s heart rate and reassess in 30 minutes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 45 bpm is already low, and digoxin can further decrease the heart rate, leading to serious complications like bradycardia or heart block. Administering the medication can exacerbate the bradycardia, hence it should be withheld. Increasing the dose of digoxin is contraindicated due to the client's low heart rate. Monitoring the heart rate alone without taking immediate action to withhold the medication is not the priority when faced with the risk of further lowering the heart rate.

2. The client on nitroglycerin complains of a headache. How does the nurse explain this?

• A. This is a normal side effect of nitroglycerin.
• B. This is an allergic reaction to nitroglycerin.
• C. This is an indication of overdose.
• D. This is a sign of heart failure.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'This is a normal side effect of nitroglycerin.' Headaches are a common side effect of nitroglycerin due to vasodilation. Choice B is incorrect because allergic reactions to nitroglycerin typically present with symptoms like rash, itching, or shortness of breath. Choice C is incorrect as an overdose of nitroglycerin would likely present with symptoms beyond just a headache. Choice D is incorrect because headaches related to nitroglycerin are not indicative of heart failure.

3. What is a condition where the heart's electrical system malfunctions, leading to an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia?

• A. Arrhythmia
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Ventricular fibrillation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Arrhythmia. Arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat caused by the malfunction of the heart's electrical system. Bradycardia (choice B) is a condition characterized by a slow heart rate, while Tachycardia (choice C) is a condition characterized by a fast heart rate. Ventricular fibrillation (choice D) is a life-threatening arrhythmia where the heart's lower chambers quiver erratically.

4. Which condition is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways resulting in excess mucus production, leading to frequent coughing and breathing difficulties?

• A. Chronic bronchitis
• B. Asthma
• C. Pneumonia
• D. COPD

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis involves long-term inflammation of the bronchi, leading to excessive mucus production, frequent coughing, and breathing difficulties. Asthma (B) is characterized by reversible airway obstruction and bronchospasms. Pneumonia (C) is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. COPD (D) is a term used to describe chronic lung diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.

5. What test uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the heart, allowing doctors to assess its structure and function?

• A. Echocardiogram
• B. MRI
• C. CT scan
• D. X-ray

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram utilizes high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the heart, enabling doctors to evaluate its structure, function, and detect any abnormalities. MRI (Choice B) uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body's structures. CT scan (Choice C) combines X-rays and computer technology to create cross-sectional images of the body. X-ray (Choice D) uses electromagnetic radiation to produce images of the internal structures of the body, but it is not the most suitable for assessing the heart's structure and function.

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