Nursing Elites

1. What test measures the oxygen level in the blood, often used to monitor patients with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pulse oximetry. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive test that measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood, commonly used to monitor respiratory and cardiovascular health. Arterial blood gas (ABG) measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, providing more detailed information than pulse oximetry. Echocardiogram is an ultrasound test used to visualize the heart's structure and function, while a chest X-ray is used to visualize the structures in the chest, such as the heart, lungs, and bones.

2. The nurse is giving the client digoxin for heart failure and recognizes that the drug has what type of effect on the heart?

• A. Negative inotropic, negative chronotropic effect
• B. Positive inotropic, negative chronotropic effect
• C. Negative inotropic, positive chronotropic effect
• D. Positive inotropic, positive chronotropic effect

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Positive inotropic, negative chronotropic effect. Digoxin strengthens the heart muscle, providing a positive inotropic effect, which increases the force of contraction. It also decreases the heart rate, having a negative chronotropic effect. Choice A is incorrect because digoxin has a positive inotropic effect, not a negative inotropic effect. Choice C is incorrect as digoxin does not have a positive chronotropic effect but a negative one. Choice D is incorrect because while digoxin has a positive inotropic effect, it does not have a positive chronotropic effect.

3. What is a condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally enlarged, thickened, or stiffened, often leading to heart failure?

• A. Cardiomyopathy
• B. Pericarditis
• C. Aortic stenosis
• D. Mitral valve prolapse

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cardiomyopathy is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the abnormal enlargement, thickening, or stiffening of the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure. Pericarditis (choice B) is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, not directly related to heart muscle enlargement. Aortic stenosis (choice C) is the narrowing of the aortic valve opening, affecting blood flow from the heart, but not directly related to heart muscle enlargement. Mitral valve prolapse (choice D) is a condition where the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle doesn't close properly, causing blood to leak backward, and is not directly related to heart muscle enlargement.

4. What is the average cardiac output?

• A. Approximately 4 to 6 L per minute
• B. Approximately 4 to 8 L per minute
• C. Approximately 5 to 8 L per minute
• D. Approximately 3 to 7 L per minute

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Approximately 4 to 8 L per minute. Cardiac output is defined as the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, typically ranging between 4 to 8 liters. Choices A, C, and D provide ranges that are either too narrow or outside the standard average values for cardiac output, making them incorrect.

5. The client is on enalapril (Vasotec) for hypertension. What side effect is most commonly associated with this medication?

• A. Dry cough
• B. Hypotension
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Headache

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dry cough. A dry cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors like enalapril. ACE inhibitors can cause the accumulation of bradykinin, leading to irritation of the respiratory tract and resulting in a persistent dry cough. Hypotension (choice B) is a possible side effect of ACE inhibitors but is less common than a dry cough. Hyperkalemia (choice C) is another side effect of ACE inhibitors, but it is not the most commonly associated one. Headache (choice D) is not a common side effect of enalapril compared to a dry cough. Therefore, the most commonly associated side effect with enalapril is a dry cough.

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