Which of the following arrhythmias is associated with heart failure?
First-degree heart block
Atrial fibrillation
Ventricular tachycardia
Sinus bradycardia
Correct Answer : B,C
Choice A Reason:
First-degree heart block is a condition where the electrical signals in the heart are delayed but still reach the ventricles. It is generally considered benign and does not typically lead to heart failure. It is often asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on an ECG.
Choice B Reason:
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common arrhythmia associated with heart failure. AFib causes the atria to beat irregularly and often rapidly, which can lead to poor blood flow and increased risk of stroke. In heart failure patients, AFib can exacerbate symptoms and worsen the prognosis due to the loss of atrial contraction and irregular ventricular response.
Choice C Reason:
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a serious arrhythmia that is often associated with heart failure. VT originates in the ventricles and can lead to hemodynamic instability and sudden cardiac death if not treated promptly. It is a common complication in patients with heart failure and cardiomyopathy.
Choice D Reason:
Sinus bradycardia is a slower than normal heart rate, typically less than 60 beats per minute. While it can occur in healthy individuals, especially athletes, it is not specifically associated with heart failure. In some cases, severe bradycardia can lead to symptoms of heart failure, but it is not a primary arrhythmia linked to the condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Pulmonary function tests are used to assess lung function and diagnose respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other lung disorders. While heart failure can affect lung function, pulmonary function tests are not specifically used to diagnose heart failure.
Choice B Reason:
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a common diagnostic test used to assess heart failure. It records the electrical activity of the heart and can detect abnormalities in heart rhythm, heart size, and the presence of ischemia or infarction. ECGs are crucial in diagnosing and monitoring heart conditions, including heart failure.
Choice C Reason:
Urinalysis is a test that examines the content of urine and is used to diagnose and monitor kidney function, urinary tract infections, and other metabolic conditions. It is not specifically used to diagnose heart failure, although kidney function can be affected by heart failure.
Choice D Reason:
A complete blood count (CBC) measures the levels of different blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. While a CBC can provide valuable information about a patient's overall health and detect conditions like anemia or infection, it is not specifically used to diagnose heart failure.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Cancer is a significant risk factor for DIC, particularly certain types of leukemia and metastatic cancers. Cancer can trigger DIC through the release of procoagulant substances from tumor cells, leading to widespread clotting and subsequent bleeding. The hypercoagulable state associated with malignancies increases the risk of thrombotic events, which can precipitate DIC. Patients with advanced cancer are particularly susceptible due to the aggressive nature of the disease and the body's inflammatory response.
Choice B Reason:
Sepsis is one of the most common causes of DIC. Sepsis triggers a systemic inflammatory response that activates the coagulation cascade, leading to the formation of microthrombi throughout the vasculature. This widespread clotting depletes clotting factors and platelets, resulting in a paradoxical increase in bleeding risk. The severity of sepsis correlates with the likelihood of developing DIC, making early recognition and treatment of sepsis crucial.
Choice C Reason:
Trauma can lead to DIC through extensive tissue injury and the release of tissue factor into the bloodstream. Severe trauma, such as that from major accidents or surgeries, can overwhelm the body's hemostatic mechanisms, leading to uncontrolled clotting and bleeding. The inflammatory response to trauma further exacerbates the coagulation process, increasing the risk of DIC. Prompt management of traumatic injuries and monitoring for signs of DIC are essential in these patients.
Choice D Reason:
Pregnancy complications such as placental abruption, amniotic fluid embolism, and severe preeclampsia can precipitate DIC. These conditions cause significant endothelial damage and the release of procoagulant substances, triggering the coagulation cascade. The physiological changes during pregnancy, including increased blood volume and hypercoagulability, further predispose pregnant women to DIC. Early intervention and management of pregnancy-related complications are vital to prevent DIC.
Choice E Reason:
Blood transfusion reactions can lead to DIC through immune-mediated mechanisms. Incompatible blood transfusions can cause hemolysis and the release of procoagulant substances, initiating the coagulation cascade. The resulting widespread clotting and consumption of clotting factors can lead to bleeding complications. Careful matching of blood products and monitoring for transfusion reactions are critical to prevent DIC in transfusion recipients.
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