A nurse reviewing the anatomy and physiologic functioning of the heart. The nurse should recognize that which statement best describes the atrial kick?

The atria contract toward the end of diastole and push the remaining blood into the ventricles

Contraction the atria at the beginning of diastole can be felt as a click

The ventricles contract during systole and attempt to push against closed atria

Atrial kick is the pressure exerted against the atria as the ventricles contract during systole

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) The atria contract toward the end of diastole and push the remaining blood into the ventricles:
This is the correct definition of the atrial kick. The atrial kick refers to the contraction of the atria just before the ventricles contract, which occurs late in diastole. During this phase, the atria contract to push the remaining blood into the ventricles, ensuring that the ventricles are as filled as possible before the next ventricular contraction. This action contributes to about 20–30% of the ventricular filling, especially important in situations where the heart rate is fast, as there may be less time for passive filling during diastole.

B) Contraction of the atria at the beginning of diastole can be felt as a click:
This statement is incorrect. Atria contract at the end of diastole, not the beginning. The atrial contraction is not typically felt as a "click." If there is a "click" sound, it could indicate an abnormal heart valve sound, such as from a mitral valve prolapse, rather than the normal atrial contraction. The atrial kick itself is not associated with any audible click but may be heard as part of the S4 heart sound, especially in conditions with stiff ventricles (such as hypertension or heart failure).

C) The ventricles contract during systole and attempt to push against closed atria:
This is not an accurate description of the atrial kick. During systole, the ventricles contract and push blood into the aorta and pulmonary artery through the open semilunar valves, not against the atria. The atrial kick is a part of diastole, not systole, and involves the atria pushing blood into the ventricles, not the ventricles pushing against the atria.

D) Atrial kick is the pressure exerted against the atria as the ventricles contract during systole:
This description is incorrect. The atrial kick occurs when the atria contract near the end of diastole, not during systole. During systole, the ventricles contract and pump blood out of the heart, but this is not related to the atrial kick. Instead, the atrial kick is the contribution of atrial contraction to the final phase of ventricular filling, just before the ventricles contract.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Daily, during the shower or bath:
This is incorrect. Performing a breast self-examination (BSE) daily is not necessary. The goal of BSE is to check for any changes over time, not to examine the breasts every day. It's more effective to perform the exam regularly at a consistent time each month.

B) One week after the menstrual period:
This is incorrect. This instruction is relevant for pre-menopausal women, where the hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle can cause breast tissue to feel lumpy or swollen. The best time for them to perform a BSE is one week after the menstrual period ends when the breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender. However, for postmenopausal women, this is not necessary, as their hormonal levels are stable throughout the month.

C) On the same day every month:
This is the correct answer. For postmenopausal women, who no longer have menstrual cycles, the best time to perform a breast self-exam is on the same day every month. This ensures consistency and makes it easier for the client to notice any changes in the breast tissue over time. The day chosen should be one that is convenient and easy to remember, and it does not matter whether it is during the shower or bath, as long as the examination is done regularly.

D) Weekly, at the client's convenience:
This is incorrect. While performing a BSE weekly is not necessary, the key is consistency rather than frequency. Performing the exam monthly is sufficient, and it should be on a specific day each month, rather than at the client’s convenience on an irregular basis.

A. Kyphosis B. Gastrointestinal sounds C. Heart sounds D. Breath sounds E. Symmetric expansion

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

A) Kyphosis: While kyphosis is an important physical finding that could impact a client's respiratory and musculoskeletal health, it is typically assessed during the general physical examination and postural assessment rather than as part of the anterior chest assessment. Therefore, kyphosis is not directly part of the anterior chest examination, though it could be a factor influencing respiratory mechanics.

B) Gastrointestinal sounds: Gastrointestinal sounds are assessed during the abdominal examination, not the chest examination. The anterior chest exam focuses on respiratory and cardiac assessments, which do not involve auscultating bowel sounds. Hence, gastrointestinal sounds are not part of the chest examination.

C) Heart sounds: Auscultation of heart sounds is a crucial part of assessing the anterior chest, as it helps the nurse evaluate cardiac function. The nurse listens to heart sounds at specific areas on the chest (e.g., aortic, pulmonic, tricuspid, and mitral areas) to identify any abnormalities such as murmurs, arrhythmias, or other issues.

D) Breath sounds: Breath sounds are an essential component of the chest assessment. By auscultating the lungs, the nurse can identify normal or abnormal breath sounds, such as wheezes, crackles, or decreased breath sounds, which may indicate respiratory issues like pneumonia, asthma, or emphysema.

E) Symmetric expansion: Symmetric expansion refers to the even movement of both sides of the chest during inhalation and exhalation. Assessing symmetric chest expansion helps the nurse identify any respiratory abnormalities, such as atelectasis, pneumonia, or other lung pathologies that may cause uneven chest expansion, signaling a potential underlying issue.

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A nurse reviewing the anatomy and physiologic functioning of the heart. The nurse should recognize that which statement best describes the atrial kick?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is discussing Breast Self Examination (BSE) with a postmenopausal client. What instructions should the nurse give to the client about the correct time to perform BSE?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assessing the anterior chest of a client. The nurse recognizes that which of the following should be included in the assessment? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

A nurse is assessing the symmetry of a client's chest. The nurse should understand that which technique best confirms symmetric expansion of the chest?

A nurse is assessing the carotid arteries of a client diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. What action should be performed next by the nurse when assessing the carotid arteries in this client?

A nurse is palpating a client's anterior chest wall and notices a course, crackling sensation over the skin surface. Which of the following should the nurse suspect from these findings?

A nurse is reviewing the sequence of the cardiac cycle. The nurse recognizes that the electrical stimulus of the cardiac cycle follows which sequence?

A nurse is auscultating breath sounds of a client with pneumonia. The nurse should recognize that lung consolidation produces which adventitious sound?

A nurse is performing an assessment of an adult client and observes unequal chest expansion. The nurse should recognize that unequal chest expansion I occur for which reason?

A nurse s teaching a group of clients about modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select All that Apply).

A nurse is assessing the symmetry of a client's chest. The nurse should understand that which technique best confirms symmetric expansion of the chest?