A patient diagnosed with electrolyte imbalance induced ventricular tachycardia questions the need for more bananas in their diet.
What is the best information the nurse can give the patient?
Bananas are high in fiber.
Bananas are high in manganese.
Bananas are low in sodium.
Bananas are high in potassium.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
While bananas do contain fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels, it is not the most relevant information for a patient with electrolyte imbalance induced ventricular tachycardia. The primary focus should be on addressing the electrolyte imbalance, specifically potassium levels.
Choice B rationale:
Bananas do contain manganese, an essential mineral that plays a role in bone health, metabolism, and wound healing. However, manganese is not directly involved in regulating electrolytes or heart rhythm. Therefore, it's not the most pertinent information for this patient's condition.
Choice C rationale:
While it's true that bananas are relatively low in sodium, this information is not as crucial for a patient with electrolyte imbalance induced ventricular tachycardia. Potassium, not sodium, is the electrolyte that's most likely to be deficient in this condition and needs to be addressed.
Choice D rationale:
Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, a crucial electrolyte that plays a vital role in regulating heart rhythm, muscle contractions, and nerve function. Potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia, can lead to various cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia. Therefore, increasing potassium intake through dietary sources like bananas can be an effective strategy to help manage electrolyte imbalance and potentially reduce the risk of arrhythmias.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While maintaining anticoagulation is important in atrial fibrillation to prevent blood clots, it is not the main goal of treatment in this specific scenario.
The client's blood pressure is elevated, suggesting that the rapid heart rate is the more immediate concern.
Additionally, the prompt indicates that heparin has already been administered, addressing the anticoagulation need.
Choice B rationale:
The client's respiratory rate and lung sounds are normal, indicating that oxygenation is not a primary concern at this time.
The fast heart rate is the more pressing issue, as it can lead to decreased cardiac output and potential complications.
Choice C rationale:
Controlling the ventricular heart rate is the main goal of treatment in this case.
Atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response can lead to several detrimental consequences, including:
Decreased cardiac output due to shortened ventricular filling time
Increased myocardial oxygen demand, potentially causing angina or heart failure
Increased risk of stroke or other thromboembolic events
Diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, is a medication commonly used to slow the heart rate in atrial fibrillation.
By slowing the conduction of electrical impulses through the atrioventricular (AV) node, it effectively reduces the number of impulses that reach the ventricles, thereby controlling the ventricular response.
Choice D rationale:
Decreasing SA node conduction is not a primary goal in this situation.
The SA node is responsible for initiating the normal electrical impulses that trigger heart contractions.
In atrial fibrillation, the electrical activity is chaotic and originates from multiple foci within the atria, rather than the SA node.
Therefore, targeting the SA node would not effectively address the underlying rhythm disturbance.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
It is inaccurate to state that men exclusively present with atypical symptoms of CAD. While men are more likely than women to experience atypical symptoms, this does not mean that they never experience chest pain or other typical symptoms.
Chest pain remains the most common symptom of CAD in both men and women. However, it's important to recognize that both genders can experience a range of symptoms, including atypical ones.
Attributing atypical symptoms solely to men can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of CAD in women. This is because women are more likely to present with atypical symptoms, and healthcare professionals may not recognize these symptoms as indicative of CAD.
It's crucial to consider a broad spectrum of symptoms when evaluating patients for potential CAD, regardless of gender.
Choice B rationale:
Chest pain is indeed the most common symptom of CAD. It typically manifests as a feeling of pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest, often radiating to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back.
Chest pain usually occurs during exertion or emotional stress and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.
Choice C rationale:
Atherosclerosis is the most common underlying cause of CAD. It's a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque within the arteries, leading to narrowing and hardening of the vessels.
This plaque buildup can restrict blood flow to the heart muscle, resulting in ischemia (lack of oxygen) and the symptoms of CAD.
Choice D rationale:
Elevated LDL cholesterol is a significant risk factor for developing CAD. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.
Managing LDL cholesterol levels through lifestyle modifications and medications, if necessary, is crucial for reducing the risk of CAD.
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