Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client on digoxin with a heart rate of 48 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Administer the digoxin as ordered.
• C. Administer atropine to increase the heart rate.
• D. Increase the dose of digoxin.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's priority action should be to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 48 bpm is low, and digoxin, being a medication that can further decrease the heart rate, should be withheld. Administering the digoxin as ordered (Choice B) would not be appropriate in this situation as it can exacerbate bradycardia. Atropine (Choice C) is not the initial treatment for this scenario; holding the digoxin is the first action. Increasing the dose of digoxin (Choice D) would be contraindicated due to the client's bradycardia. Therefore, the correct action is to hold the digoxin and inform the healthcare provider for further guidance.

2. What is a condition where the heart's valves do not function properly, leading to disrupted blood flow within the heart?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Valvular heart disease is the correct answer. It occurs when the heart's valves malfunction, leading to disrupted blood flow within the heart. Myocarditis refers to inflammation of the heart muscle, not specifically related to valve function. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, not necessarily caused by valve malfunction. Aneurysm is the abnormal bulging of a blood vessel, not directly related to heart valve function.

3. What is a condition where the arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, causing pain and difficulty walking?

• A. Peripheral artery disease
• B. Atherosclerosis
• C. Varicose veins
• D. Raynaud's disease

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is characterized by the narrowing or blockage of arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet, resulting in pain and difficulty walking. Choice B, Atherosclerosis, is a condition involving the buildup of plaque in the arteries but is not specific to the legs and feet. Varicose veins (Choice C) refer to enlarged, twisted veins usually occurring in the legs. Raynaud's disease (Choice D) involves episodes of reduced blood flow to the extremities, typically triggered by cold temperatures or stress, but it is not directly related to the arteries in the legs and feet.

4. What is the term used to describe a condition where the blood flow to the brain is temporarily interrupted, often referred to as a 'mini-stroke'?

• A. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• B. Stroke
• C. Myocardial infarction
• D. Pulmonary embolism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transient ischemic attack (TIA). A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is often called a 'mini-stroke' because it is characterized by a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, resulting in stroke-like symptoms that typically resolve within a short period. Choice B, 'Stroke,' is incorrect because a stroke involves a more prolonged interruption of blood flow, leading to lasting brain damage. Choices C and D, 'Myocardial infarction' and 'Pulmonary embolism,' are unrelated conditions involving the heart and lungs, respectively, and do not describe a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain.

5. The client on furosemide is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?

• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Hypernatremia
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hyponatremia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss, resulting in hypokalemia. This electrolyte imbalance is a significant risk associated with the use of diuretics. Choice B, Hypernatremia, is incorrect as furosemide is not known to cause high sodium levels. Choice C, Hyperkalemia, is also incorrect as furosemide tends to cause potassium depletion rather than excess. Choice D, Hyponatremia, is not directly related to furosemide use.

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