What type of stroke is caused by a blockage in an artery supplying blood to the brain?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ischemic stroke. This type of stroke is caused by a blockage in an artery supplying blood to the brain, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. This blockage can be due to a blood clot or plaque buildup. Ischemic strokes account for the majority of stroke cases. Incorrect choices: B: Hemorrhagic stroke - This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, leading to bleeding in the brain. C: Transient ischemic attack - Also known as a mini-stroke, it is caused by a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, often resolving on its own without permanent damage. D: Embolism - This refers to a condition where a blood clot or other foreign material travels through the bloodstream and blocks a blood vessel in the brain.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mitral regurgitation. When the mitral valve does not close properly, it causes blood to flow backward into the left atrium during the heart's contraction phase. This condition is known as mitral regurgitation. Aortic stenosis (B) is narrowing of the aortic valve, not related to the mitral valve. Tricuspid regurgitation (C) involves the tricuspid valve, not the mitral valve. Pulmonary hypertension (D) is high blood pressure in the lungs, not directly related to a malfunctioning mitral valve.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. Digoxin toxicity is more likely to occur in patients with low potassium levels. With a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L, the client is at risk for digoxin toxicity. Holding the digoxin and notifying the healthcare provider is the priority action to prevent potential harm to the client. B: Increasing the dose of digoxin would exacerbate the risk of digoxin toxicity in a client with low potassium levels. C: Continuing the current dose of digoxin without addressing the low potassium level could lead to digoxin toxicity. D: Administering potassium supplements alone may not be sufficient to address the potential digoxin toxicity. Holding the digoxin is the priority action.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Demand pacemakers fire only when needed.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. A blood pressure of 88/58 mm Hg is considered hypotension, which can be a serious side effect of beta blockers. By holding the medication and notifying the healthcare provider, the nurse ensures prompt assessment and appropriate intervention. Administering the beta blocker (B) could further lower the blood pressure. Increasing the dose (C) would exacerbate the hypotension. Continuing to monitor and reassess (D) is not sufficient as immediate action is required due to the low blood pressure reading.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Excitability. Excitability refers to the ability of cardiac cells to respond to an impulse by generating an action potential and contracting. This is the fundamental property that allows the heart to beat. Contractility (B) is the ability of cardiac muscle to contract once stimulated, but it does not specifically refer to the response to an impulse. Rhythmicity (C) is the ability of cardiac cells to generate spontaneous electrical impulses, not directly related to responding to an impulse. Conductivity (D) is the ability of cardiac cells to transmit electrical impulses, not specifically related to the response of cells contracting.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count. When administering enoxaparin for DVT prophylaxis, monitoring platelet count is crucial because enoxaparin can cause thrombocytopenia. Decreased platelet count can increase the risk of bleeding. Monitoring PT/INR and aPTT is more relevant for monitoring warfarin or heparin therapy, not enoxaparin. Hemoglobin monitoring is important for assessing anemia but not specifically related to enoxaparin administration for DVT prophylaxis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Myocarditis is the correct answer because it specifically refers to inflammation of the heart muscle often caused by a viral infection, leading to impaired heart function. It directly addresses the condition described in the question. Endocarditis is inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, not the heart muscle. Pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart, not the heart muscle. Cardiomyopathy is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle that impair its ability to pump blood, but it does not specifically mention inflammation caused by viral infections.

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.