Nursing Elites

1. What is the ability of cardiac cells to respond to an impulse by contracting?

• A. Excitability
• B. Contractility
• C. Rhythmicity
• D. Conductivity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Excitability is the correct term that describes the ability of cardiac cells to respond to an impulse by contracting. Excitability refers to the cell's ability to respond to stimuli and generate an action potential. Choice B, Contractility, is incorrect as it refers to the ability of cardiac cells to contract after receiving a stimulus, not the response to the impulse itself. Choice C, Rhythmicity, is incorrect as it pertains to the heart's ability to contract rhythmically without external stimulation. Choice D, Conductivity, is incorrect as it refers to the ability of cardiac cells to transmit an impulse from cell to cell, not the direct response to the impulse by contracting.

2. The client on furosemide is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?

• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Hypernatremia
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hyponatremia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss, resulting in hypokalemia. This electrolyte imbalance is a significant risk associated with the use of diuretics. Choice B, Hypernatremia, is incorrect as furosemide is not known to cause high sodium levels. Choice C, Hyperkalemia, is also incorrect as furosemide tends to cause potassium depletion rather than excess. Choice D, Hyponatremia, is not directly related to furosemide use.

3. Which valve prevents backflow of blood into the right ventricle from the pulmonary artery?

• A. Pulmonary valve
• B. Aortic valve
• C. Tricuspid valve
• D. Mitral valve

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Pulmonary valve. The Pulmonary valve prevents backflow of blood into the right ventricle from the pulmonary artery after it has been ejected. The Aortic valve (choice B) prevents backflow from the aorta into the left ventricle. The Tricuspid valve (choice C) prevents backflow of blood into the right atrium from the right ventricle. The Mitral valve (choice D) prevents backflow from the left ventricle into the left atrium.

4. When monitoring a client on dobutamine, what is the most important parameter to assess?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Oxygen saturation
• D. Respiratory rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure. When a client is on dobutamine, it is crucial to closely monitor their blood pressure as dobutamine can cause significant changes in blood pressure. While heart rate is also important to monitor during this time, blood pressure is the most critical parameter to assess. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate are also important parameters to monitor in a patient receiving dobutamine, but they are not as crucial as blood pressure in this scenario.

5. The nurse is caring for a heart client on digoxin and notes a potassium level of 2.5. What is the appropriate priority nursing intervention?

• A. Do nothing as this is a normal potassium level.
• B. The potassium level is low so the nurse asks for an order for potassium.
• C. The nurse asks to check the digoxin level as low potassium can increase digoxin toxicity.
• D. The nurse stops the digoxin.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. When caring for a client on digoxin with a low potassium level, the priority nursing intervention is to check the digoxin level. Low potassium can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Checking the digoxin level will help determine if any adjustments to the medication regimen are needed to prevent potential harm. Choice A is incorrect as a potassium level of 2.5 is low, not normal. Choice B is not the priority as simply giving potassium may not address the underlying issue of potential digoxin toxicity. Choice D is not the initial action to take without assessing the digoxin level first.

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