The procedure that the client undertakes is described as a balloon-tipped catheter inserted through the skin and threaded from a peripheral artery into the diseased coronary artery. The inflation of the balloon compresses the atherosclerotic plaque against the arterial wall, increasing the diameter of the artery. What is the procedure called?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). In PTCA, a balloon-tipped catheter is used to compress the atherosclerotic plaque against the arterial wall, widening the diameter of the artery. This procedure helps to improve blood flow through the diseased coronary artery, relieving symptoms of angina and reducing the risk of a heart attack. Option A) Coronary stent is incorrect because a stent is a mesh-like tube inserted into the artery after angioplasty to help keep it open. It is not the initial procedure described in the question. Option B) Atherectomy involves removing plaque from the artery using a cutting device. This is different from the balloon angioplasty described in the question. Option D) Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a surgical procedure where blood flow is rerouted around blocked arteries using grafts. It is not the same as the minimally invasive PTCA procedure described. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for healthcare professionals working in cardiology to determine the most appropriate intervention for patients with coronary artery disease. PTCA is a common and effective procedure used to treat coronary artery blockages and is often performed in a cardiac catheterization lab by interventional cardiologists.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Heart biopsies are performed throughout a client's lifetime after heart transplantation primarily to detect rejection, which is the correct answer (A). Rejection is a significant concern post-transplant as the body's immune system may identify the new heart as a foreign entity and attack it. Detecting rejection early is crucial for prompt intervention to prevent potential organ failure. Option B, checking the rate of the heartbeat, is not the primary reason for heart biopsies post-transplant. While monitoring heart rate is important, it is more commonly done using non-invasive methods like ECG monitoring. Option C, checking heart functionality, is related to the purpose of heart biopsies but is not as specific as detecting rejection. Biopsies provide direct information on the presence of rejection, which can't always be accurately assessed through other means. Option D, checking for heart tumors, is not the main reason for heart biopsies post-transplant. While heart tumors are a consideration, the primary focus of biopsies is on detecting rejection due to its immediate threat to the transplanted organ. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind post-transplant monitoring, such as heart biopsies, is crucial for healthcare professionals involved in the care of transplant patients. It highlights the importance of vigilance in detecting rejection early to optimize patient outcomes and ensure the long-term success of the transplant.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the case of a 26-year-old man with pericarditis, the most appropriate medication from the options provided would be C) Indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Pericarditis is characterized by inflammation of the pericardium, the membrane surrounding the heart. NSAIDs are the first-line treatment for pericarditis due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce pain and inflammation associated with the condition. Option A, Atorvastatin, is a statin primarily used to lower cholesterol levels and would not be indicated for treating pericarditis. Option B, Low-molecular-weight heparin, is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots and would not be part of the standard treatment for pericarditis. Option D, Atenolol, is a beta blocker commonly used to treat hypertension and certain heart conditions, but it is not typically prescribed for pericarditis unless there are specific underlying conditions that necessitate its use. In an educational context, understanding the appropriate medications for specific cardiovascular conditions is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide effective and evidence-based care to patients. Teaching students the rationale behind selecting the correct medication for a particular condition helps them develop critical thinking skills and clinical reasoning abilities essential for their future practice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Customizing teaching objectives based on the learner's interests. This teaching strategy promotes optimal and effective learning in a group setting for a 70-year-old patient with cardiovascular disease. By customizing teaching objectives based on the learner's interests, the cardiac-vascular nurse can make the content more relevant and engaging for the patient, increasing motivation and retention of information. This approach acknowledges the importance of individualizing education to meet the unique needs and preferences of the learner, leading to a more personalized and effective learning experience. Option A is incorrect because condensing all the information into one session may overwhelm the patient and hinder comprehension and retention. Learning complex concepts related to cardiovascular disease requires time and reinforcement. Option C is not the best choice as solely relying on a PowerPoint presentation may not cater to the diverse learning styles and preferences of the group. Interactive and multi-modal teaching methods are often more effective in engaging learners and enhancing understanding. Option D is not the optimal strategy as teaching the most important information at the end of the session may lead to cognitive overload and reduced retention. It is more beneficial to strategically distribute key information throughout the session to reinforce learning progressively. In an educational context, individualized teaching strategies are essential when dealing with diverse groups of learners, especially in healthcare settings where personalized care and education are crucial for patient outcomes. By tailoring teaching objectives to the learner's interests, educators can create a more meaningful and impactful learning experience, ultimately enhancing knowledge acquisition and application in real-life situations.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In caring for a patient after a cardiac catheterization with coronary angiography, the finding of most concern to the nurse would be the absence of pulses distal to the catheter insertion site (Option C). This is indicative of a potential complication such as arterial occlusion or reduced blood flow, which could lead to serious consequences like tissue ischemia or infarction. Option A, swelling at the catheter insertion site, is a common and expected finding post-procedure due to inflammation and local trauma. It is important to monitor for excessive swelling or signs of infection, but it is not as concerning as the absence of pulses. Option B, development of raised wheals on the patient's trunk, is likely unrelated to the cardiac catheterization procedure and may indicate an allergic reaction or other skin issue. While it should be assessed and addressed, it is not as critical as the absence of pulses. Option D, patient pain at the insertion site as 4 on a scale of 0 to 10, is a common post-procedure symptom and can be managed with appropriate pain relief measures. Pain alone, especially at a moderate level, is not as worrisome as the absence of pulses indicating compromised circulation. In an educational context, understanding the potential complications and priority assessments post-cardiac catheterization is crucial for nurses caring for these patients. Recognizing and responding promptly to signs of impaired circulation can prevent serious complications and improve patient outcomes. Regular monitoring and assessment skills are essential in post-procedure care to ensure early detection of any issues.