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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Perform the confrontation test:
The confrontation test is a basic visual field screening test. It assesses the peripheral vision by having the patient cover one eye and the examiner covers the opposite eye. The patient and the examiner then bring their fingers into the visual field from the periphery, and the patient indicates when they see the fingers.
B. Ask the patient to read the print on a handheld Jaeger card:
Jaeger cards are used for near vision testing. The patient reads progressively smaller print to assess their near vision acuity.
C. Determine the patient's ability to read newsprint at a distance of 12 to 14 inches:
This method assesses near vision. It is often used informally in clinical settings, where the patient is asked to read a newspaper or similar print at a comfortable reading distance.
D. Use the Snellen chart positioned 20 feet away from the patient:
The Snellen chart is a standardized chart used for visual acuity testing. It is placed 20 feet away from the patient, and the patient is asked to read the letters or symbols on the chart with one eye covered at a time.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Indicates the beginning of diastole: This statement is not accurate. S2, the second heart sound, indicates the end of systole and the beginning of diastole. It is specifically associated with the closure of the aortic and pulmonary valves.
B. Coincides with the carotid artery pulse: This statement is not accurate. S2 is associated with the closure of the aortic and pulmonary valves in the heart, not with the carotid artery pulse.
C. Is louder than an S1: This statement is not accurate. S1, the first heart sound, is usually louder than S2. S1 is associated with the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves and marks the beginning of systole.
D. Is caused by the closure of the semilunar valves: This statement is accurate. S2 is caused by the closure of the aortic and pulmonary valves, which are the semilunar valves in the heart. It marks the end of systole and the beginning of diastole.
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