What is a condition where the heart's electrical impulses are blocked or delayed, leading to a slower or irregular heartbeat?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart block. Heart block refers to a condition where the heart's electrical impulses are blocked or delayed, leading to a slower or irregular heartbeat. This occurs when there is interference with the electrical signals that control the heart's rhythm as they travel through the heart's conduction system. Atrial fibrillation (B) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can occur due to chaotic electrical signals in the heart's upper chambers. Tachycardia (C) is a condition where the heart rate is too fast, not slower or irregular. Bradycardia (D) refers to a slow heart rate but not necessarily due to electrical impulse blockage.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is the condition where the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. The narrowing or blockage is typically caused by atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a contributing factor to CAD, but CAD specifically refers to the reduced blood flow in the coronary arteries. Stroke (C) is a condition involving the brain's blood vessels, not the heart. Peripheral artery disease (D) involves narrowing of arteries outside the heart, typically in the legs. Therefore, the most appropriate choice is A as it directly relates to the narrowed or blocked coronary arteries causing reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that can lead to hypokalemia (decreased potassium levels), which increases the risk of digoxin toxicity as digoxin requires adequate potassium levels for proper function. Choice A is incorrect because hydrochlorothiazide does not increase digoxin levels. Choice B is incorrect because hydrochlorothiazide can actually increase digoxin levels due to potential electrolyte disturbances. Choice D is incorrect as digoxin does not affect the effectiveness of hydrochlorothiazide.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: For hemostasis. Alpha agonists (such as epinephrine or norepinephrine) are used for hemostasis by causing vasoconstriction, which helps in stopping bleeding by constricting blood vessels. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: B: To dilate the arteries - Alpha agonists actually cause vasoconstriction, not dilation of arteries. C: To dilate the veins - Alpha agonists cause vasoconstriction, not dilation of veins. D: To decrease afterload - While alpha agonists can increase blood pressure by vasoconstriction, they are not typically used specifically to decrease afterload.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypotension. Beta blockers can cause a decrease in blood pressure, leading to hypotension. Monitoring for hypotension is crucial as it can result in dizziness, fainting, or even shock. Bradycardia (choice B) is a common side effect but usually not as critical as hypotension. Hyperkalemia (choice C) is a potential side effect of some beta blockers but is less common and typically not as urgent as hypotension. Tachycardia (choice D) is the opposite of what beta blockers typically cause, making it an unlikely side effect to monitor for in this case.