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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. The view of the electrical current changes in relation to the lead placement – Each ECG lead offers a different angle or view of the heart's electrical activity, so the waveforms in leads I, II, and III naturally look different. This variation helps clinicians assess different parts of the heart.
B. Conduction of the heart differs with lead placement – The heart's electrical conduction system functions independently of lead placement; only the view of the conduction changes.
C. Electrocardiogram (ECG) equipment has malfunctioned – Lead differences are expected and normal; this is not a sign of malfunction.
D. The circadian rhythm has changed – Circadian rhythms affect general physiological patterns but do not cause variation in ECG lead appearance.

A. Sinus bradycardia B. First degree heart block C. Normal sinus rhythm D. Sick sinus syndrome

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Sinus bradycardia is characterized by a heart rate less than 60 beats/min, but in this case the rate is exactly 60, which is normal lower limit.
B. First degree heart block involves a prolonged PR interval (>0.20 seconds); here, the PR interval is normal (0.16 seconds).
C. Normal sinus rhythm has regular P waves and QRS complexes, a normal PR interval (0.12–0.20 seconds), and a heart rate between 60–100 beats/min.
D. Sick sinus syndrome is characterized by irregular rhythms and abnormal sinus node function, which is not indicated here.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse notes that leads I, II, and III differ from one another on the cardiac rhythm strip because:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is assessing an ECG rhythm strip. The P waves and QRS complexes are regular. The PR interval is 0.16 second. The overall heart rate is 60 beats/min. The nurse assesses the cardiac rhythm as:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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:

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