A patient is experiencing increased afterload. How would this condition likely impact the heart structure over time?
It enlarges the heart chambers.
It strengthens heart valves.
It thickens heart walls.
It thins the heart walls
The Correct Answer is C
A. It enlarges the heart chambers – This is typically seen with volume overload, not pressure overload. Volume overload leads to chamber dilation, not wall thickening.
B. It strengthens heart valves – Afterload does not improve valve function; in fact, high afterload can worsen conditions like aortic stenosis over time.
C. It thickens heart walls – The heart compensates for increased afterload (e.g., from chronic hypertension or aortic stenosis) by hypertrophying (thickening) the ventricular walls. This is called concentric hypertrophy, a structural adaptation to increased pressure.
D. It thins the heart walls – Thinning occurs in conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy where the problem is decreased contractility and volume overload, not increased afterload.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. In stage four, the brain tissue no longer remains stable; it shifts due to high pressure.
B. CSF levels may decrease initially in compensation but are not the hallmark of stage four.
C. Cerebral blood flow decreases due to increased pressure, leading to ischemia.
D. Stage four is marked by brain herniation, where increased intracranial pressure causes brain tissue to shift from high-pressure areas to lower-pressure areas, which can be life-threatening.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Loss of consciousness may occur with concussion, but "translucent dreaming" is not a recognized symptom.
B. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score ranges from 3 to 15; a score of 20 is not possible.
C. Nuchal rigidity is a sign of meningeal irritation, not typically seen with concussion.
D. Sensitivity to touch (allodynia) or light sensitivity (photophobia) can occur after a concussion as part of the post-concussive symptoms.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.