A nurse is assessing a client who has restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM). Which of the following statements should the nurse cue in the client?
Thickening of the walls of the ventricles.
Stretching of the ventricles.
Thickening of the ventricular walls and septum.
When the ventricular tissue becomes fibrous and fatty.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Thickening of the walls of the ventricles is not typically associated with restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM). This condition is more characteristic of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. In RCM, the walls of the ventricles are usually not thickened but become rigid due to fibrosis or infiltration, which restricts the heart’s ability to fill with blood during diastole.
Choice B reason:
Stretching of the ventricles is more commonly seen in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), not restrictive cardiomyopathy. In DCM, the heart’s ventricles become enlarged and weakened, which impairs the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. RCM, on the other hand, involves stiffening of the ventricular walls without significant dilation.
Choice C reason:
Thickening of the ventricular walls and septum is a hallmark of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), not restrictive cardiomyopathy. In HCM, the thickened walls can obstruct blood flow and lead to various complications. RCM is characterized by the stiffening of the ventricular walls due to fibrosis or infiltration, which restricts diastolic filling.
Choice D reason:
When the ventricular tissue becomes fibrous and fatty is the correct description of restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM). In RCM, the heart’s ventricles become stiff and less elastic due to fibrosis (scarring) or infiltration by abnormal substances, such as amyloid proteins. This rigidity impairs the heart’s ability to fill properly during diastole, leading to symptoms of heart failure
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial for managing diabetes, but in the context of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS), recognizing the signs and symptoms is more critical. HHS is a serious condition characterized by extremely high blood sugar levels without significant ketoacidosis. Early recognition of symptoms such as extreme thirst, frequent urination, confusion, and weakness can prevent complications and prompt timely medical intervention.
Choice B Reason:
Recognizing signs and symptoms of HHS is the most important topic to prioritize. HHS can develop gradually and may be life-threatening if not identified and treated promptly. Patients and caregivers need to be aware of the warning signs to seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms include severe dehydration, altered mental status, and very high blood glucose levels. Educating patients on these signs ensures they can act quickly to prevent severe outcomes.
Choice C Reason:
Administering insulin correctly is essential for managing diabetes, but it is not the top priority in the context of HHS education. While proper insulin administration helps control blood glucose levels, the immediate concern in HHS is recognizing the condition’s onset. Once HHS is identified, insulin administration becomes part of the treatment plan, but early detection is key to preventing severe complications.
Choice D Reason:
Understanding the importance of hydration is important because dehydration is a significant component of HHS. Patients with HHS often experience severe dehydration due to high blood glucose levels leading to osmotic diuresis. Educating patients on maintaining adequate hydration can help manage their condition and prevent the onset of HHS. However, recognizing the symptoms of HHS remains the top priority.
Choice E Reason:
Managing diet and nutrition is a fundamental aspect of diabetes care, but it is not the primary focus when dealing with HHS. While a balanced diet helps maintain stable blood glucose levels, the immediate concern in HHS is identifying and responding to the condition’s symptoms. Once HHS is recognized and treated, dietary management becomes part of the long-term care plan.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Heart murmur is a common manifestation of valvular dysfunction. It occurs when there is turbulent blood flow across a damaged or abnormal heart valve. This can be due to stenosis (narrowing of the valve) or regurgitation (leakage of the valve). The murmur’s characteristics, such as timing, location, and intensity, can help in diagnosing the specific type of valvular disease. For example, a systolic murmur might indicate aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation, while a diastolic murmur could suggest aortic regurgitation or mitral stenosis.

Choice B reason:
Chest pain is another symptom that can be associated with valvular dysfunction. This pain can result from increased workload on the heart due to inefficient blood flow through the valves. Conditions like aortic stenosis can lead to angina (chest pain) because the heart muscle may not receive enough oxygenated blood. This symptom is particularly concerning and warrants immediate medical attention to prevent complications such as myocardial infarction.
Choice C reason:
Varicose veins are not typically associated with valvular dysfunction in the heart. They are more related to issues with the veins in the legs, where the valves that prevent backflow of blood become weakened or damaged. This condition is generally referred to as chronic venous insufficiency and is not directly linked to the heart’s valvular problems.
Choice D reason:
Palpitations, or the sensation of irregular or rapid heartbeats, are common in clients with valvular dysfunction. These can occur due to arrhythmias, which are often seen in conditions like mitral valve prolapse or aortic regurgitation. The irregular heartbeats can be a result of the heart trying to compensate for the inefficient blood flow caused by the faulty valve.
Choice E reason:
Abdominal pain is not a typical manifestation of valvular dysfunction. While severe heart conditions can sometimes lead to generalized symptoms, abdominal pain is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal issues rather than heart valve problems. Therefore, it is not a primary symptom to anticipate in clients with valvular dysfunction.
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.
