Nursing Elites

1. What is a chronic condition where the heart muscle becomes weakened and enlarged, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively?

• A. Dilated cardiomyopathy
• B. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• C. Myocarditis
• D. Pericarditis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle, leading to its reduced ability to pump blood effectively. This condition is different from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which involves abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis, which is inflammation of the pericardium. Therefore, the correct answer is Dilated cardiomyopathy.

2. What is the term for the amount of blood ejected by the left ventricle into the aorta per beat, determined by preload, contractility, and afterload?

• A. Stroke volume
• B. Cardiac output
• C. End-diastolic volume
• D. Ejection fraction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stroke volume. Stroke volume refers to the volume of blood ejected by the left ventricle during each heartbeat. This is determined by preload (the degree of stretch of the cardiac muscle fibers at the end of diastole), contractility (the force of myocardial contraction), and afterload (the pressure or resistance that the ventricle must overcome to eject blood). Choice B, Cardiac output, is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute and is calculated by multiplying the heart rate by the stroke volume. Choice C, End-diastolic volume, is the volume of blood in the ventricle at the end of diastole before contraction. Choice D, Ejection fraction, is the proportion of blood pumped out of the ventricle with each contraction, calculated by dividing the stroke volume by the end-diastolic volume.

3. 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.

4. The client on warfarin has an INR of 5.5. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Administer vitamin K as an antidote.
• B. Hold the next dose of warfarin.
• C. Increase the dose of warfarin.
• D. Administer fresh frozen plasma.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An INR of 5.5 is significantly elevated, indicating an increased risk of bleeding. The priority nursing action in this situation is to administer vitamin K as an antidote to reverse the effects of warfarin and lower the INR. Holding the next dose of warfarin (choice B) is important but not as immediate as administering vitamin K. Increasing the dose of warfarin (choice C) would further elevate the INR, worsening the bleeding risk. Administering fresh frozen plasma (choice D) is not the first-line treatment for high INR due to warfarin.

5. What is the condition where the lungs become filled with fluid, often due to heart failure, making it difficult to breathe?

• A. Pulmonary edema
• B. Pleural effusion
• C. Pulmonary hypertension
• D. Pneumothorax

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pulmonary edema is the correct answer. It occurs when fluid fills the lungs, usually due to heart failure, leading to breathing difficulties. Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid around the lungs, not inside. Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, and pneumothorax is the presence of air between the lung and chest wall.

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