A nurse is reviewing the anatomy and physiologic functioning of the heart. The nurse should recognize that which statement best describes the atrial kick?
The atria contract toward the end of diastole and push the remaining blood into the ventricles.
The atria contract during systole and attempt to push against closed valves.
Atrial kick is the pressure exerted against the atria as the ventricles contract during systole.
Contraction of the atria at the beginning of diastole can be felt as a palpitation.
The Correct Answer is A
A. The atria contract toward the end of diastole and push the remaining blood into the ventricles.
This choice is correct. During atrial systole (atrial contraction), the atria contract, pushing the remaining blood into the ventricles. This additional filling of the ventricles optimizes cardiac output.
B. The atria contract during systole and attempt to push against closed valves.
This statement is incorrect. The atria do not contract during systole; they contract during diastole (atrial systole) to fill the ventricles.
C. Atrial kick is the pressure exerted against the atria as the ventricles contract during systole.
This statement is incorrect. Atrial kick refers to the atrial contraction, not the pressure exerted against the atria.
D. Contraction of the atria at the beginning of diastole can be felt as a palpitation.
This statement is not entirely accurate. A palpitation is a sensation of rapid or strong heartbeat, which might be felt during various cardiac events, not specifically during atrial contraction at the beginning of diastole.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
. Presence of breath sounds: While assessing the anterior chest, the nurse should listen for breath sounds over various areas of the lungs. However, this is related to auscultation, not inspection.
B. Diaphragmatic excursion: Diaphragmatic excursion involves assessing the movement of the diaphragm during breathing. This is typically done by percussing the level where dullness changes to resonance during inhalation and exhalation. It is more related to percussion, not inspection.
C. Symmetric chest expansion: Symmetric chest expansion refers to the equal expansion of both sides of the chest during inhalation. The nurse can observe and palpate the chest to assess if it expands symmetrically on both sides. This is a crucial aspect of the inspection of the anterior chest.
D. Shape and configuration of the chest wall: The shape and configuration of the chest wall, including abnormalities or deformities, should be assessed during inspection. This includes observing for any asymmetry, deformities, masses, or scars on the anterior chest.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
In this sequence:
Vena cava brings deoxygenated blood from the body into the right atrium.
Blood flows from the right atrium to the right ventricle through the tricuspid valve.
The right ventricle pumps blood into the pulmonary artery to the lungs.
In the lungs, blood is oxygenated and returns to the heart via the pulmonary veins into the left atrium.
From the left atrium, blood moves to the left ventricle through the bicuspid (mitral) valve.
The left ventricle then pumps oxygenated blood into the body through the aorta.
This sequence represents the systemic and pulmonary circulation of the heart.
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