What is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thickened without an obvious cause, leading to a reduction in the heart's ability to pump blood?

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Cardiovascular System Exam Questions

Question 1 of 5

What is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thickened without an obvious cause, leading to a reduction in the heart's ability to pump blood?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In this condition, the heart muscle becomes thickened, affecting the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently. This is due to genetic mutations causing the muscle cells to grow abnormally. This leads to poor relaxation and filling of the heart, impairing its pumping function. B: Dilated cardiomyopathy involves the heart muscle becoming weak and stretched, leading to reduced pumping ability. C: Restrictive cardiomyopathy involves the heart muscle becoming stiff and rigid, impairing its ability to fill with blood properly. D: Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, typically caused by infections or autoimmune conditions, leading to temporary reduction in heart function. Hence, the correct answer is A as it specifically describes the scenario of a thickened heart muscle without an obvious cause impacting the heart's pumping ability.

Question 2 of 5

What is the condition where the heart's mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to leak backward into the left atrium?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mitral regurgitation. In this condition, the mitral valve fails to close properly, causing blood to flow back into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. This results in decreased forward blood flow and increased volume in the left atrium and ventricle. Mitral regurgitation can lead to symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart murmur upon auscultation. Now, let's analyze the other choices: B: Aortic stenosis - This involves narrowing of the aortic valve, obstructing blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. C: Tricuspid regurgitation - Involves backward flow of blood from the right ventricle to the right atrium due to a faulty tricuspid valve. D: Pulmonary hypertension - Elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, usually caused by underlying conditions affecting the lungs or heart. Therefore, the correct answer is A because it specifically describes

Question 3 of 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?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because low potassium levels can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin and potassium have a reciprocal relationship, so low potassium levels can lead to digoxin toxicity. Checking the digoxin level is important to monitor for toxicity. A is incorrect because a potassium level of 2.5 is low and requires intervention. B is not the appropriate action as giving potassium without checking the digoxin levels first can worsen toxicity. D is incorrect because abruptly stopping digoxin can be harmful and should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Question 4 of 5

In cases of myocardial infarction leading to shock, which medication is appropriate to counteract shock?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dopamine. In myocardial infarction leading to shock, dopamine is appropriate due to its positive inotropic effects, increasing cardiac output and blood pressure. Atropine is not indicated for shock in this context. Digoxin may be contraindicated in acute myocardial infarction. Adenosine is not used in managing shock.

Question 5 of 5

The client on amiodarone develops pulmonary fibrosis. What action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious side effect of amiodarone. 2. Immediate notification of the healthcare provider is necessary to address this potentially life-threatening complication. 3. The healthcare provider will need to evaluate the client's condition, consider alternative treatments, and adjust the care plan accordingly. Summary of incorrect choices: B. Continuing the medication without intervention can worsen the pulmonary fibrosis. C. Discontinuing the medication is necessary, but oxygen therapy alone may not address the underlying issue. D. Reducing the dose may not be sufficient to manage the pulmonary fibrosis and delaying provider notification can lead to further complications.

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