A 51-year-old male presents with recurrent chest pain on exertion. He is diagnosed with angina pectoris. When he asks what causes the pain, how should the nurse respond? The pain occurs when
Cardiac output has fallen below normal levels.
The vagus nerve is stimulated.
Myocardial stretch has exceeded the upper limits.
The myocardial oxygen supply has fallen below demand.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Cardiac output has not fallen below normal levels. Cardiac output is the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute. It is affected by the heart rate and the stroke volume. Angina pectoris does not directly affect the cardiac output, but it can reduce the stroke volume due to impaired ventricular filling.
Choice B reason: The vagus nerve is not stimulated. The vagus nerve is a cranial nerve that innervates the heart and other organs. It is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows down the heart rate and lowers the blood pressure. Angina pectoris does not activate the vagus nerve, but it can trigger the sympathetic nervous system, which increases the heart rate and blood pressure.
Choice C reason: Myocardial stretch has not exceeded the upper limits. Myocardial stretch is the degree of tension or load on the cardiac muscle fibers. It is determined by the end-diastolic volume, which is the amount of blood in the ventricle at the end of relaxation. Angina pectoris does not cause excessive myocardial stretch, but it can impair the myocardial contractility due to ischemia.
Choice D reason: The myocardial oxygen supply has fallen below demand. This is the main cause of angina pectoris. It occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle, are narrowed or blocked by atherosclerosis or spasm. This creates an imbalance between the oxygen demand of the heart, which increases during exertion, and the oxygen supply, which is reduced by the obstruction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Oliguria is not a forward effect of left ventricular heart failure. It is a backward effect that occurs due to reduced renal perfusion and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Choice B reason: Increased heart rate is a forward effect of left ventricular heart failure. It is a compensatory mechanism that occurs due to reduced cardiac output and sympathetic stimulation.
Choice C reason: Wet cough is a forward effect of left ventricular heart failure. It is a sign of pulmonary congestion and edema that result from increased pressure in the pulmonary veins and capillaries.
Choice D reason: Confusion is not a forward effect of left ventricular heart failure. It is a backward effect that occurs due to reduced cerebral perfusion and hypoxia.
Choice E reason: Jugular venous distention is not a forward effect of left ventricular heart failure. It is a backward effect that occurs due to increased pressure in the right atrium and vena cava.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Vasodilators are not the preferred agents for the initial treatment of heart failure. They are used as adjunctive therapy to reduce the afterload and preload on the heart. However, they do not address the fluid overload that is the main cause of heart failure symptoms.
Choice B reason: Diuretics are the preferred agents for the initial treatment of heart failure. They help to reduce the fluid overload and congestion in the lungs and peripheral tissues. They also lower the blood pressure and improve the cardiac output and renal function.
Choice C reason: Calcium channel blockers are not the preferred agents for the initial treatment of heart failure. They are contraindicated in most cases of heart failure because they can worsen the cardiac function and increase the mortality. They can also cause peripheral edema and hypotension.
Choice D reason: Direct renin inhibitors are not the preferred agents for the initial treatment of heart failure. They are a newer class of drugs that block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which is involved in the pathophysiology of heart failure. However, they have not shown any significant benefit over the existing RAAS inhibitors, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). They can also cause hyperkalemia and renal impairment.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.