A client being admitted to the cardiac care unit complains of dyspnea on exertion and fatigue. His ECG demonstrates dysrhythmias associated with left ventricular hypertrophy. Which of the following diagnostic tools would be the most helpful in diagnosing cardiomyopathy?

Echocardiogram

Arterial blood gases

Swan-Ganz analysis

Cardiac catheterization

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. An echocardiogram is the most helpful noninvasive tool for diagnosing cardiomyopathy. It provides detailed information about chamber size, wall motion, ventricular function, and left ventricular hypertrophy, all of which are essential in evaluating cardiomyopathy.
B. Arterial blood gases (ABGs) assess oxygenation and acid-base balance but do not provide structural or functional cardiac details.
C. Swan-Ganz analysis (pulmonary artery catheter) can measure pressures in the heart but is invasive and typically used for hemodynamic monitoring, not initial diagnosis.
D. Cardiac catheterization can show coronary anatomy and pressures, but it is not the first-line test for evaluating cardiomyopathy unless ischemic disease is suspected.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. High-quality CPR with minimal interruptions is the cornerstone of asystole management. Asystole is a non-shockable rhythm, so maintaining perfusion through effective chest compressions and administering appropriate medications (like epinephrine) is essential.
B. Cessation of resuscitation efforts after only 2 minutes is inappropriate; the decision to stop should be based on the clinical scenario and response to interventions over time.
C. Narcan (naloxone) is used for opioid overdose, not for treating asystole unless there is a suspected opioid-related cause—and it does not directly restore electrical cardiac rhythm.
D. Defibrillation is not indicated in asystole, as it is a non-shockable rhythm. Continuous defibrillation is ineffective and inappropriate.

A. Increase the head of the bed. B. Place the patient in a recovery position. C. Stop the infusion of the medication. D. Slow down the infusion of the medication.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Increasing the head of the bed may help ease breathing but does not address the potential cause of the problem.
B. The recovery position is used for unconscious patients to maintain an open airway—not appropriate here.
C. Stopping the infusion of the medication is the first and most critical action. The client is likely experiencing an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis to penicillin, and continuing the drug could worsen symptoms.
D. Slowing the infusion does not prevent further reaction and delays stopping the exposure to the allergen.

View Question and Answer

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

A client being admitted to the cardiac care unit complains of dyspnea on exertion and fatigue. His ECG demonstrates dysrhythmias associated with left ventricular hypertrophy. Which of the following diagnostic tools would be the most helpful in diagnosing cardiomyopathy?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who has been transported to the emergency room after a motor vehicle accident is experiencing asystole. Management of asystole focuses on:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client is receiving an initial dose of penicillin IV. During the infusion, the client becomes short of breath. What is the first thing the nurse should do?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse caring for a client who is scheduled for a balloon valvuloplasty recalls that balloon valvuloplasty is most commonly used for which valvular heart disease?

The nurse notes premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) while suctioning a client's endotracheal tube. Which action by the nurse is a priority?

A client is scheduled for percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty to treat mitral stenosis. When explaining the advantage of valvuloplasty instead of valve replacement to the client, which information will the nurse include?

An client being assessed in the emergency room is anxious about their health status. The ECG rhythm strip shows a heart rate of 120 beats/min. Characteristics of a sinus tachycardia rhythm are

The nurse is teaching a beginning ECG class to staff nurses. As the nurse begins to discuss the parts of the ECG complex, one of the students asks what the normal order of conduction through the heart is. The correct response would be which of the following?

A nurse is caring for a client on a cardiac monitor and whose rhythm suddenly changes. There are no P waves; instead she observes wavy lines. The QRS complexes measure 0.08 second and are irregular. The client's heart rate is 120 beats/minute. The nurse interprets that this rhythm is:

The nurse discussing potential risk factors of infective endocarditis with a hospitalized client would include which of the following as a potential risk factor of this disease process?

A nurse providing postoperative teaching to a client who has received a valve replacement discusses the importance of antibiotic prophylaxis prior to any dental or surgical procedure. The nurse understands that antibiotic prophylaxis prevents which of the following in these clients?