What is the most common cause of coronary artery disease?
Atherosclerosis
Other causes include vasospasm of a coronary artery, myocardial trauma, structural disease, congenital anomalies, decreased oxygen supply, and increased oxygen demand.
100
A client suffering from a myocardial infarction is admitted to the cardiac unit. The nurse can best determine the efficiency of the client’s ventricular contractions by:
a) Monitoring cardiac enzyme levels
b) Monitoring urinary output hourly
c) Assessing heart sounds frequently
d) Assessing breath sounds frequently
B. Monitoring urinary output hourly is the best measurement tool to determine the effectiveness of the heart’s cardiac output
100
Which diagnostic tool is used to determine the location of myocardial damage for a patient with a myocardial infarction (MI)?
Electrocardiogram (ECG) because it is the quickest, most accurate and most widely used tool to determine the location of an MI
100
What is the primary purpose of administering aspirin as an emergency treatment for a myocardial infarction?
Aspirin acts as an anti-platelet to prevent further platelet aggregation or clotting.
200
What is the purpose of a coronary angioplasty?
To open an occluded artery
200
Name 3 nursing interventions you would perform on a patient who is at high risk for ineffective PERIPHERAL tissue perfusion from decreased cardiac output.
Any 3 of:
- Oxygen therapy
- Regular vital signs
- Head to toe, pain, GCS assessment (q4h)
- Observe for cyanosis and edema
- Fluid therapy
- Monitor input and output
- Encourage progressive physical activity
200
What is the first intervention for a client experiencing myocardial infarction (MI)?
a) Administer oxygen
b) Obtain an ECG
c) Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
d) Administer morphine for pain
A. Administering supplemental oxygen is always the first priority of care
200
What classification of drugs is utilized for reperfusion therapy?
Thrombolytic agents
300
What is the difference between stable and unstable angina?
Stable angina is predictable and consistent pain that occurs with exertion. It is treated with rest.
Unstable angina is not predictable and occurs more often, lasts longer, and may be associated with severe pain.
300
The nurse teaches the client that the major difference between angina and pain associated with MI is that angina can be relieved with rest and THIS TYPE OF SUBSTANCE.
Nitroglycerin
300
Which of the following diagnostic studies would most likely confirm a myocardial infarction?
a) Creatinine Kinase (CK)
b) Troponin and Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) levels
c) Serum myoglobin and Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) levels
d) Elevated WBC count and Hemoglobin
B. Troponin & BNP levels
300
Which supplemental electrolyte is most frequently ordered in conjunction with furosemide (Lasix)?
a) Chloride
b) Potassium
c) Sodium
d) Digoxin
B) Potassium. Loop diuretics such as furosemide increase the excretion of potassium.
400
What is the difference between situational depression and PTSD?
Situational Depression: short term and rarely lasts longer than 6 months.
PTSD: lasts longer, usually occurs as a reaction from a traumatic experience (i.e. life threatening event)
400
Dyspnea, fatigue, increased pulmonary artery pressure, and decreased cardiac output are indicative of:
a) MI
b) Right sided valve damage
c) Left sided valve damage
d) JVD
C. Left sided valve damage
400
When analyzing an ECG, what does the ST segment represent? What is the most common sign of an ST depression?
ST represents early repolarization of the ventricles; the most common sign of an ST depression is myocardial ischemia.
400
When a patient is receiving ramipril (Altace) to help lower high blood pressure and prevent acute MI, what is the mechanism of action behind this drug?
(ACE Inhibitor) Ramipril blocks the conversion of Angiotensin I to II, which dilates arterial vessels, increases venous capacity, and reduces cardiac output and resistance.