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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
A) High cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, are a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. High cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaques in the arteries, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Managing cholesterol through diet, exercise, and medication can reduce cardiovascular risk.
B) Diabetes: Diabetes, especially poorly controlled blood sugar levels, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. High blood glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to complications such as coronary artery disease and stroke. Effective management of diabetes through lifestyle changes and medication can help mitigate these risks.
C) Age: While age is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, it is a non-modifiable factor. As people age, the risk of developing cardiovascular issues naturally increases due to changes in the cardiovascular system. Since age cannot be altered, it is not included in the list of modifiable risk factors.
D) Weight: Excess body weight, particularly obesity, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Obesity contributes to conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, all of which elevate cardiovascular risk. Weight management through diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices is crucial for reducing this risk.
E) Smoking: Smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It damages the blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and reduces oxygen supply to the heart, contributing to the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular conditions. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to lower cardiovascular risk
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Inspection of the shape and configuration of the chest wall during normal breathing:
While inspection is an important part of the initial assessment, it is not the most effective method to confirm symmetric expansion of the chest. Inspecting the shape and configuration of the chest can reveal abnormalities, such as a barrel chest or scoliosis, but it does not directly assess the movement of the chest wall during breathing. The most reliable technique to assess for symmetric chest expansion involves palpation, not just visual inspection.
B) Placing hands sideways on the posterolateral chest wall with thumbs pointing together at the level of T9 or T10:
This is the best technique for assessing symmetric chest expansion. The nurse places their hands with the thumbs pointing toward each other at the level of the T9 or T10 vertebrae on the patient's posterior chest wall. As the client inhales deeply, the nurse observes whether both thumbs move symmetrically outward. This test directly evaluates the expansion of the lungs and chest wall during respiration, making it the most accurate method for assessing symmetric chest movement.
C) Percussion of the posterior chest to initiate vibration of the lung structures:
Percussion is used to assess the underlying lung tissue and detect abnormalities such as fluid or air in the lungs (e.g., pneumonia, pleural effusion, or pneumothorax), but it does not assess chest expansion. Percussion helps in evaluating lung resonance but is not a direct method to confirm whether both sides of the chest are expanding symmetrically during breathing. It is a diagnostic technique, not an assessment for expansion symmetry.
D) Placing the palmar surface of the fingers of one hand against the chest and having the client repeat "ninety-nine":
This technique assesses for tactile fremitus, which involves feeling for vibrations as the client speaks. While it is useful in evaluating lung consolidation (such as pneumonia), it does not directly assess the symmetry of chest expansion. Tactile fremitus helps detect areas of increased or decreased vibration due to fluid or tissue changes in the lungs but does not measure how equally the chest is expanding during inhalation.
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