Nursing Elites

1. What does the PR interval measure?

• A. Time it takes for the electrical impulse to travel from the atria to the ventricles
• B. Measurement of ventricular depolarization
• C. Duration of ventricular repolarization
• D. Segment representing the time between ventricular depolarization and repolarization

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The PR interval measures the time it takes for the electrical impulse to travel from the atria to the ventricles. It is crucial in diagnosing heart rhythm disorders, as abnormalities in this interval can indicate conduction abnormalities between the atria and ventricles. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization, the QT interval represents the duration of ventricular repolarization, and the ST segment represents the time between ventricular depolarization and repolarization.

2. Which surgical procedure involves removing a portion of the lung?

• A. Lobectomy
• B. Pneumonectomy
• C. Tracheostomy
• D. Bronchoscopy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A lobectomy is the surgical removal of a lobe of the lung. This procedure is commonly performed to treat conditions like lung cancer or severe lung diseases. Pneumonectomy involves removing an entire lung, making it incorrect. Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure to create an opening in the windpipe, not involving lung tissue removal. Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows visualization of the airways using a thin, flexible tube with a camera, not involving lung tissue removal.

3. The client is on hydrochlorothiazide and digoxin. What effect can the nurse expect?

• A. Hydrochlorothiazide increases digoxin levels.
• B. Hydrochlorothiazide decreases digoxin levels.
• C. Hydrochlorothiazide decreases potassium, increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.
• D. Digoxin can increase the effectiveness of hydrochlorothiazide.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that can decrease potassium levels, which in turn can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin typically doesn't impact hydrochlorothiazide levels or effectiveness, making choices A, B, and D incorrect. Choice A stating that hydrochlorothiazide increases digoxin levels is inaccurate. Choice B suggesting that hydrochlorothiazide decreases digoxin levels is also incorrect. Choice D, stating that digoxin can increase the effectiveness of hydrochlorothiazide, is not a typical interaction seen between these medications.

4. 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.

5. What structures hold up the AV valves and are anchored to the ventricular wall by the papillary muscles?

• A. Chordae tendineae
• B. Papillary muscles
• C. Semilunar valves
• D. Aortic valve

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chordae tendineae. Chordae tendineae are fibrous cords that connect the AV valves to the papillary muscles, preventing the valves from inverting during ventricular contraction. Papillary muscles (choice B) anchor the chordae tendineae to the ventricular wall but do not hold up the AV valves directly. Semilunar valves (choice C) are located between the ventricles and the major arteries and are not involved in holding up the AV valves. The aortic valve (choice D) is one of the semilunar valves and is not responsible for holding up the AV valves.

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