The nurse understands that which of the following is a manifestation of aortic stenosis?
Narrowed pulse pressure
Sinus tachycardia
Apical diastolic murmur
S3 heart sound
The Correct Answer is A
A. Narrowed pulse pressure: Aortic stenosis leads to obstruction of blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta during systole, reducing systolic pressure while diastolic pressure remains unchanged or slightly elevated. This results in a narrowed pulse pressure, a classic finding in moderate to severe aortic stenosis.
B. Sinus tachycardia: While tachycardia can occur in response to decreased cardiac output or stress, it is not a defining feature of aortic stenosis. The hallmark findings relate more directly to fixed cardiac output and valve obstruction.
C. Apical diastolic murmur: Aortic stenosis produces a systolic ejection murmur, best heard at the right second intercostal space and radiating to the carotids. An apical diastolic murmur would suggest mitral stenosis or other diastolic valve pathology.
D. S3 heart sound: An S3 is more indicative of volume overload and heart failure rather than valvular stenosis. While advanced aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure, the S3 is not a primary or early manifestation of this condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Pulmonic: The pulmonic valve is best auscultated at the second left intercostal space along the left sternal border. A murmur heard in this location is most likely associated with pulmonic valve abnormalities such as pulmonary stenosis or pulmonary regurgitation.
B. Aortic: The aortic valve is auscultated at the second right intercostal space at the right sternal border. A murmur at this site may indicate aortic stenosis or regurgitation, but not when heard on the left side as in this scenario.
C. Tricuspid: Tricuspid valve murmurs are typically heard best at the lower left sternal border, around the fourth or fifth intercostal space. This location is more inferior than where the nurse auscultated the murmur in the current assessment.
D. Mitral: The mitral valve is best heard at the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line (the cardiac apex). Murmurs related to mitral stenosis or regurgitation would not typically be heard at the second intercostal space near the sternum.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Run of premature ventricular beats: While adenosine can occasionally provoke brief ventricular ectopy, this is not its primary or most expected effect. Premature ventricular contractions may occur transiently but are not the hallmark response to this medication.
B. Short period of asystole: Adenosine briefly blocks AV node conduction and can interrupt re-entry pathways, often resulting in a short period of asystole lasting a few seconds. This is an expected effect and reflects the drug’s mechanism in terminating supraventricular tachycardia by interrupting the reentrant pathway.
C. Brief seizure episode: Adenosine does not typically cause seizures. It acts primarily on cardiac tissue and has no significant pro-convulsant effects. A seizure would be an atypical and concerning adverse reaction rather than an expected response.
D. Dramatic increase in blood pressure: Adenosine causes transient vasodilation and may lead to a brief drop in blood pressure or flushing. A dramatic increase in blood pressure would not be expected and could suggest an alternate diagnosis or drug reaction.
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