A 52-year-old male suffered a myocardial infarction secondary to atherosclerosis and ischemia. Once oxygen returned to the damaged heart, reperfusion injury occurred as a result of:
Oxygenation of the cells
Free radical formation
Increased metabolic state
Lactic acid build-up
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Oxygenation of the cells is a necessary process during reperfusion, but it is not the direct cause of reperfusion injury. The injury occurs due to the sudden influx of oxygen, which leads to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals. These free radicals cause oxidative stress and damage to the myocardial cells.
Choice B Reason:
Free radical formation is the primary mechanism behind reperfusion injury. When blood flow is restored to the ischemic myocardium, the sudden reintroduction of oxygen leads to the production of free radicals. These free radicals cause significant oxidative damage to the cell membranes, proteins, and DNA, exacerbating the injury to the heart tissue.
Choice C Reason:
An increased metabolic state can occur during reperfusion as the cells attempt to recover from ischemia. However, it is not the direct cause of reperfusion injury. The primary issue is the oxidative stress caused by free radicals, not the metabolic changes themselves.
Choice D Reason:
Lactic acid build-up is a consequence of anaerobic metabolism during the ischemic period, not a cause of reperfusion injury. During ischemia, cells switch to anaerobic metabolism, leading to lactic acid accumulation. However, once oxygen is reintroduced, the focus shifts to the oxidative damage caused by free radicals rather than lactic acid.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
An idiosyncratic effect is an unusual or unexpected reaction to a drug that is not related to the dose and is not a common side effect. These reactions are often due to genetic differences in metabolism or immune response. In this case, shortness of breath is a known reaction for some patients taking the drug, so it is not considered idiosyncratic.
Choice B Reason:
A teratogenic effect refers to a drug’s potential to cause developmental abnormalities in a fetus when taken by a pregnant woman. Since the patient is experiencing shortness of breath, which is a known reaction to the drug, this choice is not relevant to the situation.
Choice C Reason:
This is the correct answer. A side effect is a secondary, typically undesirable effect of a drug or medical treatment. Since the nurse found that shortness of breath is a known reaction for some patients taking the drug, it is classified as a side effect. The nurse should report this to the provider to ensure proper management and monitoring.
Choice D Reason:
The symptom of shortness of breath is related to the medication administration, as confirmed by the drug administration manual. Therefore, this choice is incorrect. The nurse must report the side effect to the provider for appropriate action.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Oxygenation of the cells is a necessary process during reperfusion, but it is not the direct cause of reperfusion injury. The injury occurs due to the sudden influx of oxygen, which leads to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals. These free radicals cause oxidative stress and damage to the myocardial cells.
Choice B Reason:
Free radical formation is the primary mechanism behind reperfusion injury. When blood flow is restored to the ischemic myocardium, the sudden reintroduction of oxygen leads to the production of free radicals. These free radicals cause significant oxidative damage to the cell membranes, proteins, and DNA, exacerbating the injury to the heart tissue.
Choice C Reason:
An increased metabolic state can occur during reperfusion as the cells attempt to recover from ischemia. However, it is not the direct cause of reperfusion injury. The primary issue is the oxidative stress caused by free radicals, not the metabolic changes themselves.
Choice D Reason:
Lactic acid build-up is a consequence of anaerobic metabolism during the ischemic period, not a cause of reperfusion injury. During ischemia, cells switch to anaerobic metabolism, leading to lactic acid accumulation. However, once oxygen is reintroduced, the focus shifts to the oxidative damage caused by free radicals rather than lactic acid.

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