What is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Heart failure is the correct answer because it is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively. Step 2: This ineffective pumping leads to fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary congestion) and other parts of the body (edema). Step 3: Myocardial infarction (B) is incorrect as it is an acute condition resulting from a blockage in coronary arteries causing heart muscle damage. Step 4: Pericarditis (C) is incorrect as it is inflammation of the pericardium, the outer lining of the heart, not directly related to heart pumping efficiency. Step 5: Pulmonary edema (D) is incorrect as it specifically refers to fluid accumulation in the lungs, not necessarily linked to heart failure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Thoracentesis is the correct procedure for removing excess fluid or air from the pleural space. It involves inserting a needle through the chest wall to drain the fluid or air, relieving pressure on the lungs. Bronchoscopy is used to visualize the airways, not remove fluid or air. Chest X-ray is a diagnostic tool for assessing the lungs but does not remove fluid or air. Arterial blood gas (ABG) is a test to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, not a procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anticoagulant. Anticoagulants prevent blood clots by thinning the blood, reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack. They work by inhibiting clot formation. ACE inhibitors (B), Beta-blockers (C), and Calcium channel blockers (D) are not used to prevent blood clots. ACE inhibitors are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, Beta-blockers are used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions, and Calcium channel blockers are used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks an artery, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. This happens because the clot obstructs blood flow to the lung tissue, causing a decrease in oxygen levels. The other choices, B: Pneumothorax, C: Pleural effusion, and D: Aneurysm, do not involve a blood clot blocking an artery in the lungs. Pneumothorax is a collapsed lung due to air in the chest cavity, Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the space between the lungs and chest wall, and an Aneurysm is a bulging and weakened blood vessel.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Give Digibind as an antidote. Digibind is the specific antidote for severe digoxin toxicity. It works by binding to the excess digoxin in the body, preventing it from exerting its toxic effects. This action helps to rapidly reduce the digoxin levels in the body and reverse the toxicity. Checking the potassium level (choice A) is important but not the priority when the client is experiencing severe toxicity. Changing the dosing of digoxin (choice C) or administering a potassium supplement (choice D) would not address the immediate need to counteract the toxicity. The priority is to administer Digibind to quickly neutralize the digoxin and prevent further harm.