Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. The client on a beta blocker has a blood pressure of 88/58 mm Hg. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Administer the beta blocker as ordered.
• C. Increase the dose of the beta blocker.
• D. Continue to monitor the client and reassess in 30 minutes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when a client on a beta blocker presents with a blood pressure of 88/58 mm Hg is to hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. Beta blockers can further decrease blood pressure, which is already low in this case. Administering the beta blocker as ordered (Choice B) would exacerbate the hypotension. Increasing the dose of the beta blocker (Choice C) would be inappropriate and unsafe given the low blood pressure. Continuing to monitor the client and reassessing in 30 minutes (Choice D) could lead to a delay in necessary intervention. Therefore, the priority is to hold the medication and seek guidance from the healthcare provider.

3. A client on a beta blocker has a heart rate of 52 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Administer the beta blocker as ordered.
• C. Increase the dose of the beta blocker.
• D. Continue to monitor the client and reassess in 30 minutes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 52 bpm is low, and beta blockers can further decrease the heart rate, potentially causing harm. Therefore, withholding the medication and promptly informing the healthcare provider is crucial for further assessment and possible adjustment of the treatment plan. Administering the beta blocker as ordered (Choice B) can exacerbate the bradycardia. Increasing the dose of the beta blocker (Choice C) would further suppress the heart rate. Continuing to monitor the client and reassessing in 30 minutes (Choice D) might delay necessary interventions and increase the risk of complications in a client with a heart rate of 52 bpm.

4. The client on spironolactone (Aldactone) should avoid which type of food?

• A. Foods high in potassium
• B. Foods high in sodium
• C. Foods high in calcium
• D. Foods high in chloride

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Foods high in potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it helps the body retain potassium and excrete sodium. Therefore, clients on spironolactone should avoid foods high in potassium to prevent hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because spironolactone specifically affects potassium levels, not sodium, calcium, or chloride.

5. Which test measures how well the lungs work by assessing the amount of air the lungs can hold and how quickly air can be exhaled?

• A. Spirometry
• B. Pulse oximetry
• C. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
• D. Chest X-ray

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Spirometry. Spirometry is a pulmonary function test that evaluates lung function by measuring the amount of air a person can exhale and how quickly, assisting in the diagnosis of conditions such as asthma and COPD. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation in the blood, Arterial blood gas (ABG) evaluates blood pH, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels, and a Chest X-ray provides an image of the lungs but does not measure lung function.

Similar Questions