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 caring for a client on amiodarone who develops a cough. What is the most appropriate action?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
• B. Reassure the client that this is a common side effect.
• C. Continue the amiodarone and monitor the client’s symptoms.
• D. Discontinue the amiodarone immediately.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action when a client on amiodarone develops a cough, which can be a sign of pulmonary toxicity, a serious side effect of amiodarone, is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. This is crucial because pulmonary toxicity can lead to severe complications if not addressed promptly. Choices B and C are incorrect as they do not address the potential severity of the situation and may delay necessary intervention. Choice D of discontinuing amiodarone immediately without consulting the healthcare provider can be risky, as sudden discontinuation of the medication may have adverse effects on the client's condition.

3. What test measures the electrical activity of the heart over a 24- or 48-hour period?

• A. Holter monitor
• B. Electrocardiogram
• C. Stress test
• D. Chest X-ray

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Holter monitor. A Holter monitor is a portable device that continuously records the heart's electrical activity over 24 to 48 hours, aiding in the diagnosis of arrhythmias and other heart conditions. Choice B, an Electrocardiogram, provides a snapshot of the heart's electrical activity at a specific point in time, not over an extended period like a Holter monitor. Choice C, a Stress test, measures how the heart responds to physical activity and is not used for continuous monitoring of electrical activity. Choice D, a Chest X-ray, is used to visualize the structures of the chest, not to measure the heart's electrical activity.

4. The client is on spironolactone (Aldactone). What is the most important dietary instruction?

• A. Avoid foods high in potassium.
• B. Increase intake of foods high in potassium.
• C. Avoid foods high in sodium.
• D. Increase intake of foods high in sodium.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to avoid foods high in potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it helps the body retain potassium and can lead to hyperkalemia if too much potassium is consumed. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because increasing intake of potassium-rich foods can worsen hyperkalemia, while avoiding foods high in sodium is not the primary concern when taking spironolactone.

5. What is a condition where the airways become inflamed and narrow, making breathing difficult?

• A. Asthma
• B. Bronchitis
• C. Pleurisy
• D. Tuberculosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Asthma is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by inflammation, narrowing, and swelling of the airways, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes; Pleurisy is inflammation of the tissues that line the lungs and chest cavity; Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs.

Similar Questions