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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Incorrect. PVCs are not caused by a malfunctioning SA node. The SA node is responsible for initiating the normal heartbeat, while PVCs originate from the ventricles. The underlying cause of PVCs can vary, but it's not directly related to SA node dysfunction. Choice C rationale:
Incorrect. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a rapid heart rhythm originating from the ventricles, typically defined as three or more consecutive PVCs. Two PVCs in a row are usually classified as a couplet, not VT.
Choice D rationale:
Incorrect. While PVCs are often harmless, they can sometimes be associated with underlying heart disease or lead to complications, especially if they are frequent or occur in specific patterns. Therefore, careful assessment and potential treatment are necessary.
Choice B rationale:
Correct. Treatment for PVCs is generally only recommended if the patient experiences concerning symptoms or if the PVCs are associated with a risk of developing more serious arrhythmias. Additionally, the QRS complex on the EKG/ECG should be evaluated. A narrow QRS complex during PVCs typically suggests a less concerning origin within the ventricles, while a wide QRS complex may indicate a higher risk of complications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increased afterload refers to the resistance against which the heart must pump to eject blood into the aorta.
While increased afterload can contribute to angina by increasing the heart's workload, it is not the primary cause of the pain.
Increased afterload is more commonly associated with heart failure, hypertension, and aortic stenosis.
Choice C rationale:
The coronary artery system is the network of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle.
While coronary artery disease (CAD), a narrowing or blockage of these arteries, is the underlying cause of angina, it is not the direct cause of the pain.
The pain of angina is caused by the heart muscle not receiving enough oxygen, which can occur even if the coronary arteries are not completely blocked.
Choice D rationale:
Increased preload refers to the volume of blood that fills the ventricles before they contract.
While increased preload can also contribute to angina by increasing the heart's workload, it is not the primary cause of the pain.
Increased preload is more commonly associated with heart failure, valvular regurgitation, and fluid overload.
Choice B rationale:
Inadequate myocardial oxygenation is the most direct and accurate explanation for the pain of angina.
When the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen, it experiences ischemia, which is a lack of blood flow and oxygen.
Ischemia triggers the release of chemicals that stimulate pain receptors in the heart, leading to the characteristic chest pain of angina.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today