Nursing Elites

1. What test uses sound waves to create images of the heart and assess its structure and function?

• A. Echocardiogram
• B. MRI
• C. CT scan
• D. X-ray

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An echocardiogram is the correct answer because it is a test specifically designed to use sound waves to create images of the heart, allowing healthcare providers to assess both its structure and function, as well as to detect any abnormalities. MRI (Choice B), CT scan (Choice C), and X-ray (Choice D) do not primarily use sound waves for imaging the heart; therefore, they are not the most appropriate choices for this scenario.

2. The client on digoxin has a potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin and low potassium levels can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Administering a potassium supplement (choice A) without healthcare provider guidance can worsen the situation. Continuing the current digoxin dose (choice C) can further increase the risk of toxicity. Administering Digibind (choice D) is used in severe cases of digoxin toxicity, not for addressing low potassium levels.

3. The client is given an alpha agonist. What might it be used for?

• A. For hemostasis
• B. To dilate the arteries
• C. To dilate the veins
• D. To decrease afterload

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Alpha agonists are used for hemostasis to help control bleeding by constricting blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow to the area. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as alpha agonists do not typically dilate arteries, dilate veins, or decrease afterload.

4. After the AV node, the electrical impulse is then transmitted into the _________, and into the _________.

• A. Purkinje fibers, ventricles
• B. Atria, ventricles
• C. Bundle of His, Purkinje fibers
• D. Ventricles, Purkinje fibers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. After the AV node, the electrical impulse is transmitted to the Bundle of His and then to the Purkinje fibers. This sequence is crucial for the coordinated contraction of the ventricles. Choice A (Purkinje fibers, ventricles) is incorrect because the Purkinje fibers come after the Bundle of His in the sequence of electrical conduction. Choice B (Atria, ventricles) is incorrect because the impulse does not go back to the atria after passing through the AV node. Choice D (Ventricles, Purkinje fibers) is incorrect because the impulse first reaches the Bundle of His before spreading to the Purkinje fibers.

5. Which condition is characterized by the right ventricle of the heart failing due to increased pressure in the lungs, often caused by chronic lung disease?

• A. Cor pulmonale
• B. Pulmonary embolism
• C. Aortic stenosis
• D. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Cor pulmonale, a condition where the right ventricle of the heart fails due to increased pressure in the lungs, commonly caused by chronic lung diseases like COPD. Pulmonary embolism (choice B) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by a blood clot. Aortic stenosis (choice C) is a narrowing of the aortic valve opening that restricts blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (choice D) is a genetic condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood.

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