A nurse is assessing a client who has restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM). Which of the following statements should the nurse cue in the client?
Thickening of the walls of the ventricles.
Stretching of the ventricles.
Thickening of the ventricular walls and septum.
When the ventricular tissue becomes fibrous and fatty.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Thickening of the walls of the ventricles is not typically associated with restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM). This condition is more characteristic of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. In RCM, the walls of the ventricles are usually not thickened but become rigid due to fibrosis or infiltration, which restricts the heart’s ability to fill with blood during diastole.
Choice B reason:
Stretching of the ventricles is more commonly seen in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), not restrictive cardiomyopathy. In DCM, the heart’s ventricles become enlarged and weakened, which impairs the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. RCM, on the other hand, involves stiffening of the ventricular walls without significant dilation.
Choice C reason:
Thickening of the ventricular walls and septum is a hallmark of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), not restrictive cardiomyopathy. In HCM, the thickened walls can obstruct blood flow and lead to various complications. RCM is characterized by the stiffening of the ventricular walls due to fibrosis or infiltration, which restricts diastolic filling.
Choice D reason:
When the ventricular tissue becomes fibrous and fatty is the correct description of restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM). In RCM, the heart’s ventricles become stiff and less elastic due to fibrosis (scarring) or infiltration by abnormal substances, such as amyloid proteins. This rigidity impairs the heart’s ability to fill properly during diastole, leading to symptoms of heart failure
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A history of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and the need for stent placement are significant risk factors for developing atrial flutter. Atrial flutter is often associated with structural heart disease, including coronary artery disease, which can lead to myocardial infarction. The damage to the heart muscle and the changes in the heart’s electrical system following a myocardial infarction can predispose a person to atrial flutter.
Choice B Reason:
While a family history of atrial flutter can indicate a genetic predisposition to arrhythmias, it is not as strong a risk factor as having a history of myocardial infarction and stent placement. Genetic factors can play a role, but they are typically less influential compared to direct cardiac events.
Choice C Reason:
Recovering from an illness that caused vomiting and diarrhea is not a direct risk factor for atrial flutter. These conditions can lead to electrolyte imbalances, which might temporarily affect heart rhythm, but they do not typically cause atrial flutter.
Choice D Reason:
Increased stress can contribute to various health issues, including heart problems, but it is not a primary risk factor for atrial flutter. Chronic stress can exacerbate existing heart conditions, but it is not as significant a risk factor as a history of myocardial infarction.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hypertension is not directly caused by hypokalemia. While potassium levels can influence blood pressure, hypokalemia is more critically associated with cardiac issues rather than hypertension alone.
Choice B reason: Ketosis is a metabolic state resulting from the body burning fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. It is not directly related to hypokalemia. Hypokalemia does not cause ketosis, and monitoring for ketosis in a client with hypokalemia is not a priority.
Choice C reason: Insulin resistance is a condition where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. While potassium levels can affect insulin secretion and action, hypokalemia is not primarily associated with insulin resistance. Therefore, it is not the main concern for a nurse monitoring a client with hypokalemia.
Choice D reason: Cardiac arrhythmias are a significant concern in clients with hypokalemia. Potassium is crucial for proper cardiac function, and low levels can lead to abnormal heart rhythms. This is why monitoring for cardiac arrhythmias is essential in clients with hypokalemia.
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