Nursing Elites

1. What is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thickened without an obvious cause, leading to a reduction in the heart's ability to pump blood?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the abnormal thickening of the heart muscle without an obvious cause, which impairs the heart's ability to effectively pump blood. Dilated cardiomyopathy (choice B) involves the enlargement and weakening of the heart chambers, not thickening. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (choice C) refers to the stiffening of the heart muscle, limiting its ability to fill properly. Myocarditis (choice D) is inflammation of the heart muscle usually caused by a viral infection, not thickening.

2. What test measures the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time, typically 24 to 48 hours?

• A. Holter monitor
• B. Echocardiogram
• C. Stress test
• D. Arterial blood gas (ABG)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Holter monitor. A Holter monitor is a portable device that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of 24 to 48 hours. It is used to detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions. Choice B, Echocardiogram, is a test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart's structure and function, not focused on the electrical activity. Choice C, Stress test, evaluates the heart's function under stress but does not monitor electrical activity over an extended period. Choice D, Arterial blood gas (ABG), measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, unrelated to measuring the electrical activity of the heart over time.

3. The client on nitroglycerin complains of a headache. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

• A. Administer acetaminophen as prescribed for the headache.
• B. Hold the next dose of nitroglycerin.
• C. Discontinue the nitroglycerin immediately.
• D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is to administer acetaminophen as prescribed for the headache. Headaches are a common side effect of nitroglycerin due to vasodilation. Administering acetaminophen can help relieve the headache. Holding the next dose of nitroglycerin (Choice B) may not address the current headache, and discontinuing nitroglycerin immediately (Choice C) without healthcare provider guidance can be dangerous due to the potential for rebound hypertension. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately (Choice D) is not necessary for a common side effect like a headache, and the nurse can manage this symptom independently.

4. Which condition is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid?

• A. Pneumonia
• B. Bronchitis
• C. Tuberculosis
• D. Cystic fibrosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus, causing symptoms like cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. Bronchitis (choice B) is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not the air sacs in the lungs. Tuberculosis (choice C) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but does not always cause fluid accumulation in the air sacs. Cystic fibrosis (choice D) is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs but does not directly cause inflammation of the air sacs with fluid.

5. What is a condition where the heart's valves do not function properly, leading to disrupted blood flow within the heart?

• A. Valvular heart disease
• B. Myocarditis
• C. Endocarditis
• D. Aneurysm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Valvular heart disease is the correct answer. It occurs when the heart's valves malfunction, leading to disrupted blood flow within the heart. Myocarditis refers to inflammation of the heart muscle, not specifically related to valve function. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, not necessarily caused by valve malfunction. Aneurysm is the abnormal bulging of a blood vessel, not directly related to heart valve function.

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