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. The nurse is caring for a client on digoxin with a heart rate of 48 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Administer the digoxin as ordered.
• C. Administer atropine to increase the heart rate.
• D. Increase the dose of digoxin.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's priority action should be to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 48 bpm is low, and digoxin, being a medication that can further decrease the heart rate, should be withheld. Administering the digoxin as ordered (Choice B) would not be appropriate in this situation as it can exacerbate bradycardia. Atropine (Choice C) is not the initial treatment for this scenario; holding the digoxin is the first action. Increasing the dose of digoxin (Choice D) would be contraindicated due to the client's bradycardia. Therefore, the correct action is to hold the digoxin and inform the healthcare provider for further guidance.

3. The client on furosemide (Lasix) has a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Administer a potassium supplement.
• B. Hold the furosemide and notify the healthcare provider.
• C. Continue the current dose of furosemide.
• D. Administer Digibind.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer a potassium supplement. A potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can lead to serious complications like cardiac dysrhythmias. Therefore, the priority action is to address the low potassium level by administering a potassium supplement. Holding the furosemide (Choice B) may be necessary in the long term to prevent further potassium loss, but the immediate need is to correct the low potassium level. Continuing the current dose of furosemide (Choice C) without addressing the low potassium level can worsen hypokalemia. Administering Digibind (Choice D) is not indicated for low potassium levels; Digibind is used to treat digoxin toxicity.

4. Which term refers to high blood pressure, a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hypotension
• C. Hyperlipidemia
• D. Diabetes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Hypertension. Hypertension is a condition characterized by persistently high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Choice B, Hypotension, refers to low blood pressure. Choice C, Hyperlipidemia, is the term for high levels of fats in the blood. Choice D, Diabetes, is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels.

5. What is the condition where the heart's mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to leak backward into the left atrium?

• A. Mitral regurgitation
• B. Aortic stenosis
• C. Tricuspid regurgitation
• D. Pulmonary hypertension

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mitral regurgitation is the condition where the heart's mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to leak backward into the left atrium. This can result in symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because aortic stenosis, tricuspid regurgitation, and pulmonary hypertension involve different heart valves or conditions, not the mitral valve specifically.

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