Which of the following is a common symptom of chronic aortic regurgitation?
Bradycardia
Abdominal pain
Exertional dyspnea
Peripheral edema
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Chronic aortic regurgitation typically does not cause bradycardia; the heart often compensates for the increased volume load by maintaining a normal or slightly elevated heart rate to preserve cardiac output.
B. This symptom is not characteristic of aortic regurgitation. Any abdominal discomfort in cardiac patients is more likely related to comorbidities or advanced heart failure affecting liver congestion, not the valve disease itself.
C. Chronic aortic regurgitation leads to volume overload of the left ventricle, causing left ventricular dilation and eventually increased pulmonary venous pressure. This results in left-sided heart failure symptoms, such as exertional dyspnea, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance, which often appear gradually as the disease progresses.
D. Typically associated with right-sided heart failure, peripheral edema is not an early or primary symptom of isolated aortic regurgitation. It may appear only in advanced stages if biventricular failure develops.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. This is a long-term treatment for recurrent VT or other arrhythmias. It is not an immediate intervention for acute, unstable VT.
B. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is performed only if the client is pulseless and unresponsive. While CPR may be necessary in cardiac arrest, it is not the first-line intervention for VT with a pulse.
C. Synchronized cardioversion is used for hemodynamically stable VT with a pulse, but the term “elective” implies a planned procedure, not emergency management.
D. For pulseless VT or VT causing severe instability (e.g., hypotension, altered mental status), defibrillation is the immediate lifesaving intervention. It delivers an unsynchronized shock to restore normal cardiac rhythm.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Progressive lengthening of the PR interval indicates a first-degree or potentially worsening second-degree AV block. Notifying the provider is essential to prevent further conduction deterioration and potential progression to complete heart block, which can be life-threatening.
B. Increasing activity could exacerbate bradycardia or AV block symptoms (e.g., dizziness, syncope) and is unsafe in this context.
C. Beta-blockers like metoprolol can further slow AV conduction, potentially worsening the block, so giving it without provider consultation is unsafe.
D. Atropine is indicated for symptomatic bradycardia, but this patient currently has a normal HR (78) and is asymptomatic. Immediate administration is not warranted; the priority is assessment and provider notification.
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