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:
Swollen and enlarged veins, also known as varicose veins, are a common manifestation of peripheral venous disease (PVD). This condition occurs when the valves in the veins become weak or damaged, leading to blood pooling and increased pressure within the veins. This results in the veins becoming enlarged, twisted, and visible under the skin1. Varicose veins can cause discomfort, pain, and a heavy feeling in the legs. They are often exacerbated by prolonged standing or sitting and can be a cosmetic concern as well.
Choice B Reason:
Loss of pigmentation over the shin area is not typically associated with peripheral venous disease. This symptom is more commonly seen in conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), where prolonged venous hypertension leads to skin changes, including hyperpigmentation and lipodermatosclerosis. However, it is not a primary manifestation of PVD itself.
Choice C Reason:
A shiny appearance to the lower extremities is more commonly associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) rather than peripheral venous disease. In PAD, reduced blood flow to the extremities can cause the skin to become thin, shiny, and hairless. This is due to the lack of oxygen and nutrients reaching the skin and underlying tissues. In contrast, PVD primarily affects the veins and does not typically cause these skin changes.
Choice D Reason:
Diminished hair growth on the lower extremities is another symptom more commonly associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). In PAD, the reduced blood flow to the extremities can lead to hair loss, as the hair follicles do not receive adequate oxygen and nutrients. Peripheral venous disease, on the other hand, does not usually cause hair loss. Instead, it is characterized by symptoms related to venous insufficiency, such as varicose veins, swelling, and skin changes.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
“Blood flow is altered due to restricted stretching of the ventricles, impairing the heart’s ability to contract” is not accurate in the context of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD primarily affects the arteries outside the heart, particularly those supplying the legs and feet. It is caused by atherosclerosis, which leads to the narrowing and hardening of the arteries, reducing blood flow to the extremities. The statement about restricted stretching of the ventricles and impaired heart contraction is more relevant to conditions like heart failure or cardiomyopathy.
Choice B reason:
“Blood flow is altered due to increased pressure in the arteries” is a more accurate description of PAD. In PAD, the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in the arterial walls leads to increased resistance and pressure within the arteries. This condition reduces the flow of oxygenated blood to the limbs, causing symptoms such as pain, cramping, and fatigue, especially during physical activity. Managing PAD involves lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgical interventions to improve blood flow and reduce symptoms.
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