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. The nurse is preparing to administer a beta blocker to a client with hypertension. What is the priority assessment?

• A. Check the client's heart rate.
• B. Check the client's blood pressure.
• C. Check the client's respiratory rate.
• D. Check the client's temperature.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client's blood pressure. Before administering a beta blocker to a client with hypertension, assessing the blood pressure is crucial because beta blockers can cause hypotension, potentially leading to adverse effects. Checking the heart rate may also be important but is secondary to monitoring the blood pressure in this scenario. Respiratory rate and temperature assessments are not directly related to assessing the client's response to a beta blocker in hypertension management, making choices C and D less relevant.

3. What is the ability of cardiac cells to respond to an impulse by contracting?

• A. Excitability
• B. Contractility
• C. Rhythmicity
• D. Conductivity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Excitability is the correct term that describes the ability of cardiac cells to respond to an impulse by contracting. Excitability refers to the cell's ability to respond to stimuli and generate an action potential. Choice B, Contractility, is incorrect as it refers to the ability of cardiac cells to contract after receiving a stimulus, not the response to the impulse itself. Choice C, Rhythmicity, is incorrect as it pertains to the heart's ability to contract rhythmically without external stimulation. Choice D, Conductivity, is incorrect as it refers to the ability of cardiac cells to transmit an impulse from cell to cell, not the direct response to the impulse by contracting.

4. For what reason might the nurse be given an order to administer milrinone (Primacor)?

• A. For congestive heart failure
• B. For hypertension
• C. For cardiac arrhythmias
• D. For bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Milrinone is commonly prescribed for congestive heart failure to help improve cardiac function and alleviate symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as milrinone is not typically used for hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, or bradycardia. It is specifically indicated for congestive heart failure for short-term management.

5. Which condition involves the enlargement and weakening of the left ventricle of the heart, leading to reduced pumping ability?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dilated cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by the enlargement and weakening of the left ventricle of the heart, which results in a reduced ability to pump blood effectively. Choice B, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, involves thickening of the heart muscle, not enlargement. Choice C, Restrictive cardiomyopathy, is characterized by stiffening of the heart muscle, not enlargement. Choice D, Pericarditis, refers to inflammation of the pericardium, the lining surrounding the heart, and does not involve enlargement and weakening of the left ventricle.

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