A nurse is reviewing the diagnostic tests for a client suspected of having congestive heart failure. Which test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing CHF?
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Chest X-ray
Echocardiogram
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level
The Correct Answer is C
A) This choice is incorrect because an electrocardiogram (ECG) is a valuable diagnostic tool for assessing the heart's electrical activity and rhythm, but it is not the gold standard for diagnosing CHF. It can provide information about possible cardiac hypertrophy or rhythm disturbances associated with heart failure.
B) This choice is incorrect because a chest X-ray is helpful in evaluating heart size and the presence of pulmonary congestion, but it is not the gold standard for diagnosing CHF.
C) This choice is correct. An echocardiogram is the gold standard for diagnosing CHF. It uses ultrasound waves to assess the heart's structure and function, including ejection fraction and valve function, providing critical information to confirm the diagnosis of heart failure.
D) This choice is incorrect because a brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level is a blood test that can aid in the diagnosis of CHF. Elevated BNP levels indicate heart strain, but it is not the gold standard for diagnosing CHF.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because hypernatremia (high sodium levels) is not a common adverse effect of loop diuretics. Loop diuretics primarily impact sodium and water excretion.
B) This choice is incorrect because hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) is not typically associated with loop diuretics. In fact, loop diuretics can lead to increased potassium excretion, potentially causing hypokalemia.
C) This choice is incorrect because hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) is not a common adverse effect of loop diuretics. Loop diuretics primarily affect sodium, potassium, and water excretion.
D) This choice is correct. Loop diuretics are potent potassium-wasting diuretics, meaning they increase potassium excretion in the urine, potentially causing hypokalemia. The nurse should closely monitor the client's potassium levels and provide potassium supplementation if necessary.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not a common adverse effect of furosemide, a loop diuretic.
B) This choice is correct. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to increased potassium excretion in the urine, potentially causing hypokalemia (low potassium levels). The nurse should closely monitor the client's potassium levels and provide potassium supplementation if necessary.
C) This choice is incorrect because hypertension (high blood pressure) is not typically associated with loop diuretics like furosemide. In fact, furosemide is used to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure by promoting the excretion of excess fluid and reducing blood pressure.
D) This choice is incorrect because hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) is not a common adverse effect of furosemide. In fact, furosemide can sometimes cause transient hypoglycemia.
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