Nursing Elites

1. Which structure serves as the major chemoreceptor of the heart?

• A. Carotid body
• B. Aortic body
• C. Vagus nerve
• D. SA node

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, the carotid body. The carotid body is the major chemoreceptor of the heart responsible for detecting changes in blood oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels. This specialized structure helps regulate the cardiovascular system's response to maintain appropriate oxygen levels in the blood. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not directly involved in chemoreception in the heart. The aortic body is primarily involved in blood pressure regulation, the vagus nerve is a cranial nerve responsible for parasympathetic innervation, and the SA node is known as the heart's natural pacemaker.

2. The client is on digoxin and has severe digoxin toxicity. What is the nursing priority action?

• A. Check the potassium level.
• B. Give Digibind as an antidote.
• C. Change the dosing of digoxin to every other day.
• D. Administer a potassium supplement to decrease digoxin toxicity.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to give Digibind as an antidote in cases of severe digoxin toxicity. Digibind works by binding to digoxin and preventing it from causing further harm. Checking the potassium level (choice A) is important but not the priority when the client has severe toxicity. Changing the dosing to every other day (choice C) is not appropriate in the setting of severe toxicity where immediate action is required. Giving a potassium supplement (choice D) may be needed eventually, but the priority is to administer Digibind to counteract the toxic effects of digoxin.

3. What is a condition where the blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked, often referred to as a mini-stroke?

• A. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• B. Stroke
• C. Aneurysm
• D. Myocardial infarction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is the correct answer. A TIA is often referred to as a mini-stroke because it is caused by a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. This blockage resolves on its own, typically within minutes to hours, leading to temporary symptoms similar to a stroke. Option B, 'Stroke,' is incorrect because a stroke involves a more prolonged interruption of blood flow to the brain. Option C, 'Aneurysm,' is incorrect as it is a bulge in a blood vessel that can rupture and cause bleeding, not a temporary blockage of blood flow. Option D, 'Myocardial infarction,' is also incorrect as it refers to a heart attack, not a condition involving the brain's blood flow.

4. What is this surgical procedure that restores blood flow to the heart by diverting blood around a blocked artery?

• A. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
• B. Angioplasty
• C. Stent placement
• D. Valve replacement

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), which is a surgical procedure to improve blood flow to the heart by redirecting blood around blocked or narrowed arteries. This procedure is specifically designed to bypass blocked coronary arteries, allowing blood to flow more freely to the heart muscle. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because angioplasty involves opening up narrowed or blocked blood vessels, stent placement involves inserting a mesh tube to keep arteries open, and valve replacement involves replacing a damaged heart valve - none of which directly address diverting blood flow around a blocked artery.

5. What is a condition where the heart's ability to pump blood is decreased, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body?

• A. Heart failure
• B. Cardiomyopathy
• C. Pericarditis
• D. Myocarditis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, heart failure. Heart failure is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs and other areas. Choice B, Cardiomyopathy, refers to diseases of the heart muscle. Choices C and D, Pericarditis and Myocarditis, respectively, are conditions involving inflammation of the outer lining of the heart and the heart muscle itself, which may not always directly result in decreased pumping ability like heart failure does.

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