Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is administering IV nitroglycerin to a patient for chest pain. What is the most critical parameter to monitor?

• A. Heart rate
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Oxygen saturation
• D. Respiratory rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Blood pressure.' Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure, leading to hypotension. Monitoring the blood pressure is crucial to prevent potential complications such as hypotension-induced dizziness, syncope, or organ hypoperfusion. While heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate are important parameters to monitor in a clinical setting, the immediate concern with IV nitroglycerin administration is the risk of hypotension, making blood pressure the most critical parameter to assess.

2. What test evaluates the heart's response to physical stress, often involving exercise on a treadmill while monitoring the heart?

• A. Stress test
• B. Echocardiogram
• C. Holter monitor
• D. CT angiography

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A stress test, also known as an exercise stress test, evaluates the heart's response to physical stress by monitoring its activity during exercise, typically on a treadmill. This test helps assess the heart's performance, detect coronary artery disease, and evaluate the effectiveness of heart treatments. Echocardiogram (choice B) is an ultrasound of the heart that provides detailed images of the heart's structure and function, but it does not involve physical stress like a stress test. Holter monitor (choice C) is a device for continuously monitoring the heart's rhythm and rate over a period (usually 24-48 hours), not during exercise. CT angiography (choice D) is a diagnostic test that uses X-rays to visualize blood vessels but does not involve physical stress like a stress test.

3. Which neurotransmitter released by the parasympathetic nervous system can decrease heart rate?

• A. Acetylcholine
• B. Norepinephrine
• C. Dopamine
• D. Serotonin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Acetylcholine is the correct answer. It is a neurotransmitter released by the parasympathetic nervous system that can decrease heart rate. Norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin are neurotransmitters that usually have different effects on the body and are not specifically associated with decreasing heart rate. Norepinephrine, for example, is often related to the fight-or-flight response and can increase heart rate.

4. Which neurotransmitter is released by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to increase heart rate and the force of contraction of the heart?

• A. Norepinephrine
• B. Epinephrine
• C. Dopamine
• D. Acetylcholine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter released by the sympathetic nervous system that increases heart rate and the force of contraction. Epinephrine, though similar, is more involved in the fight-or-flight response and has a broader range of effects on various organs. Dopamine is not primarily responsible for increasing heart rate and contractility. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that predominantly acts on the parasympathetic nervous system to decrease heart rate and contractility.

5. What test measures the oxygen level in the blood, often used to monitor patients with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions?

• A. Pulse oximetry
• B. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
• C. Echocardiogram
• D. Chest X-ray

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pulse oximetry. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive test that measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood, commonly used to monitor respiratory and cardiovascular health. Arterial blood gas (ABG) measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, providing more detailed information than pulse oximetry. Echocardiogram is an ultrasound test used to visualize the heart's structure and function, while a chest X-ray is used to visualize the structures in the chest, such as the heart, lungs, and bones.

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