What type of heart disease is characterized by the heart muscle becoming enlarged and weakened, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dilated cardiomyopathy. This condition is characterized by the heart muscle becoming enlarged and weakened, leading to reduced pumping efficiency. This results in symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling. In contrast, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (B) is characterized by thickening of the heart muscle, restrictive cardiomyopathy (C) involves stiffness of the heart muscle, and myocarditis (D) is inflammation of the heart muscle. These conditions do not specifically involve the enlargement and weakening seen in dilated cardiomyopathy.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct lab value to monitor when administering heparin is aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time). This is because heparin affects the intrinsic pathway of the clotting cascade, which is reflected in the aPTT value. Monitoring aPTT helps ensure the therapeutic range of heparin to prevent clotting complications. PT/INR and platelet count are not specific to heparin monitoring, and hemoglobin does not directly reflect heparin's anticoagulant effects.