Nursing Elites

1. What is a condition characterized by episodes of severe, acute shortness of breath, often occurring at night?

• A. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
• B. Sleep apnea
• C. Orthopnea
• D. Dyspnea

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is the correct answer. It is characterized by sudden episodes of severe shortness of breath during sleep, often waking the individual. Choice B, Sleep apnea, involves pauses in breathing during sleep but does not usually present with acute shortness of breath. Choice C, Orthopnea, refers to shortness of breath that occurs when lying flat and is relieved by sitting up. Choice D, Dyspnea, is a general term for difficult or labored breathing and does not specifically describe acute episodes at night.

2. What is a surgical procedure to create an opening in the windpipe to assist with breathing?

• A. Tracheostomy
• B. Lobectomy
• C. Thoracotomy
• D. Pleurodesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tracheostomy is the correct answer. It is a surgical procedure to create an opening in the windpipe (trachea) to assist with breathing. This procedure is commonly used for patients who require long-term ventilation support. Choice B, Lobectomy, involves the removal of a lobe of the lung and is not related to creating an opening in the windpipe. Choice C, Thoracotomy, is a surgical incision into the chest wall and is not specifically related to creating an opening in the windpipe. Choice D, Pleurodesis, is a procedure to treat recurrent pleural effusions by causing the pleural layers to stick together, and it is not related to creating an opening in the windpipe.

3. What test measures the pressure in the arteries during the contraction and relaxation of the heart?

• A. Blood pressure test
• B. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• C. Spirometry
• D. Pulse oximetry

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Blood pressure test.' This test measures the pressure in the arteries during the contraction (systolic) and relaxation (diastolic) phases of the heart, providing important information about heart health. Choice B, 'Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG),' records the heart's electrical activity and is not specifically related to measuring arterial pressure. Choice C, 'Spirometry,' assesses lung function by measuring airflow. Choice D, 'Pulse oximetry,' measures oxygen saturation in the blood, not arterial pressure.

4. Which condition is characterized by an inability to effectively pump blood, leading to fluid buildup and swelling in the body?

• A. Heart failure
• B. Cardiomyopathy
• C. Angina
• D. Myocarditis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Heart failure is the correct answer. It is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, resulting in fluid accumulation and swelling in the body. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that affects its ability to pump blood but is not the specific condition described in the question. Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, not directly related to fluid buildup and swelling. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle and does not necessarily involve the inability to pump blood effectively.

5. The client on atorvastatin (Lipitor) should be advised to report which of the following symptoms?

• A. Muscle pain
• B. Headache
• C. Nausea
• D. Dizziness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Muscle pain. Muscle pain can be a sign of rhabdomyolysis, a serious side effect of statins like atorvastatin. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition where muscle fibers break down rapidly and release their contents into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney damage. Headache, nausea, and dizziness are not commonly associated with atorvastatin use and are less likely to indicate a serious adverse reaction compared to muscle pain.

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