A client being admitted to the cardiac care unit complains of dyspnea on exertion and fatigue. His ECG demonstrates dysrhythmias associated with left ventricular hypertrophy. Which of the following diagnostic tools would be the most helpful in diagnosing cardiomyopathy?
Echocardiogram
Arterial blood gases
Swan-Ganz analysis
Cardiac catheterization
The Correct Answer is A
A. An echocardiogram is the most helpful noninvasive tool for diagnosing cardiomyopathy. It provides detailed information about chamber size, wall motion, ventricular function, and left ventricular hypertrophy, all of which are essential in evaluating cardiomyopathy.
B. Arterial blood gases (ABGs) assess oxygenation and acid-base balance but do not provide structural or functional cardiac details.
C. Swan-Ganz analysis (pulmonary artery catheter) can measure pressures in the heart but is invasive and typically used for hemodynamic monitoring, not initial diagnosis.
D. Cardiac catheterization can show coronary anatomy and pressures, but it is not the first-line test for evaluating cardiomyopathy unless ischemic disease is suspected.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Ventricular tachycardia is characterized by a ventricular rate >100 bpm, regular rhythm, no visible P waves, and wide QRS complexes (>0.12 seconds). The findings described—ventricular rate of 162, regular R-R intervals, no visible P waves, and a QRS duration of 0.18 seconds—are consistent with ventricular tachycardia.
B. Ventricular fibrillation shows a chaotic, irregular rhythm with no identifiable QRS complexes, which is not the case here.
C. Sinus tachycardia would have visible P waves and a normal QRS duration.
D. Atrial flutter typically has "sawtooth" flutter waves and a more organized atrial rhythm with a distinct P wave pattern, which is absent in this scenario.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Ventricular tachycardia is less commonly triggered by suctioning.
B. Sinus tachycardia may occur but is not the most common arrhythmia during suctioning.
C. Supraventricular tachycardia is not typically associated with suctioning.
D. Sinus bradycardia is the most common arrhythmia caused by vagal stimulation during endotracheal suctioning.
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