Which of the following options gives a nurse the most accurate diagnostic picture of a cardiac issue?
Echocardiogram
Cardiac Catheterization
Chest X-Ray (CXR)
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
The Correct Answer is A
B. Cardiac Catheterization.
Cardiac Catheterization (B): Cardiac catheterization is an invasive procedure that involves threading a catheter into the heart's chambers and major blood vessels. It allows direct visualization of the coronary arteries, measurement of blood pressure within the heart, assessment of blood flow, and the ability to perform interventions such as angioplasty or stent placement. Cardiac catheterization is considered the gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease, evaluating heart valve function, and detecting congenital heart abnormalities.
Explanation:
A. Echocardiogram (A): An echocardiogram is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. It is excellent for assessing the structure and function of the heart, including heart valve function and blood flow patterns. While it is a valuable tool for cardiac assessment, it may not provide the level of detail and direct visualization that cardiac catheterization offers.
C. Chest X-Ray (CXR) (C): A chest X-ray can provide information about the size and shape of the heart and detect certain abnormalities such as an enlarged heart or fluid in the lungs. However, it may not offer the level of detail required to diagnose specific cardiac issues accurately.
D. Electrocardiogram (ECG) (D): An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and is useful for diagnosing arrhythmias and certain conduction abnormalities. While it provides essential information about cardiac rhythm, it does not directly visualize the structural aspects of the heart or blood flow.
In summary, while each of these diagnostic tools plays a crucial role in assessing cardiac issues, cardiac catheterization is the most accurate and comprehensive option for diagnosing a wide range of cardiac conditions due to its direct visualization and intervention capabilities. However, the choice of diagnostic test should always be made based on the patient's specific clinical presentation and the suspected cardiac problem.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome is a complex congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart (left ventricle and aorta) is underdeveloped, making it unable to pump oxygenated blood effectively to the body. The treatment of HLHS typically involves a series of surgical interventions because it cannot be cured with a single surgery. The ultimate goal of treatment is to provide palliative care, which means managing the condition to improve the child's quality of life while waiting for a heart transplant. The surgical procedures are typically performed in stages, with the first surgery usually performed shortly after birth, followed by additional surgeries as the child grows.
Option B is not accurate because HLHS cannot be cured with a single surgery, and creating an opening between the atria and ventricles (e.g., the Norwood procedure) is one step in the staged surgical treatment, but it doesn't completely "cure" the condition.
Option C is not accurate because HLHS is primarily characterized by an underdeveloped left ventricle and aorta, not the displacement of the pulmonary and aortic arteries.
Option D refers to the use of prostaglandin to maintain a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and improve blood flow to the lungs, which can be part of the initial management of HLHS but is not a definitive treatment. Prostaglandin is used to stabilize the infant before surgical interventions are performed.
Correct Answer is E
Explanation
Infective endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. One of the hallmark signs of infective endocarditis is fever, often accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, chills, and joint pain. A persistent fever in a child, especially when associated with other signs or symptoms like new heart murmurs or petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin), can be concerning for infective endocarditis.
The other symptoms and findings listed (proteinuria, ESR, weight gain, hemoglobin levels) are not specific to infective endocarditis and may have other potential causes or interpretations. It is important to consider a comprehensive clinical evaluation and laboratory tests when assessing a child with suspected infective endocarditis.
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