The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with pericarditis. What serious complication should this patient be monitored for?

Left ventricular hypertrophy

Increased cardiac output

Cardiac tamponade

Hypertension

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) refers to the thickening of the walls of the left ventricle, which often results from chronic high blood pressure or other conditions that increase the workload on the heart. While LVH is an important cardiac issue, it is not a direct complication of pericarditis.
B.   Increased cardiac output (the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute) is generally not a direct complication of pericarditis. In fact, pericarditis often affects cardiac output in a different way.
C.   Cardiac tamponade is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of pericarditis. It occurs when fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, exerting pressure on the heart and impeding its ability to fill and pump effectively. This condition can lead to reduced cardiac output, hypotension, and symptoms of shock.
D.   Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a common condition that can contribute to a range of cardiovascular issues, but it is not a direct complication of pericarditis.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Rheumatic fever is a complication that can arise from untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat). Educating community members about the importance of seeking medical treatment for strep throat is crucial because timely antibiotic treatment can prevent the development of rheumatic fever.
B. Prophylactic antibiotics are often recommended for individuals who have had rheumatic fever or have a family history of the condition to prevent recurrence. While this is important for secondary prevention in high-risk individuals, it is more of a targeted approach rather than a broad community health strategy.
C. Currently, there is no widely available vaccine specifically for streptococcal infections or rheumatic fever. Research is ongoing, but no vaccine has been proven effective and available for general use in preventing streptococcal infections.
D. Monitoring temperature during a sore throat can help identify an infection, but it does not directly address the prevention of rheumatic fever. The key issue is ensuring that sore throats are evaluated and treated appropriately to prevent complications like rheumatic fever.

A. Smoking cigarettes B. Family history of aneurysm C. HDL cholesterol 65 mg/dl. (male greater than 45 mg/dL; female greater than 55 mg/dL) D. Total cholesterol 170 mg/dl (less than 200 mg/dL E. Diabetes mellitus

Correct Answer is ["A","B"]

Explanation

A. Smoking is a significant risk factor for the development of AAA. It contributes to the degradation of elastin and collagen in the arterial wall, which weakens the aorta and increases the risk of aneurysm formation. Smokers have a higher incidence of AAA compared to non-smokers.
B. A family history of aneurysms is another important risk factor. Genetic predisposition can increase the likelihood of developing AAA, indicating that the condition may run in families. Individuals with a family history of AAA are at higher risk and should be monitored more closely.
C. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are generally considered protective against cardiovascular diseases, including AAA.
D. Total cholesterol levels are used to assess cardiovascular risk. A total cholesterol level of 170 mg/dL is within the normal range (less than 200 mg/dL). While high cholesterol can contribute to cardiovascular diseases, a total cholesterol level of 170 mg/dL is not considered a risk factor for AAA.
E. Diabetes mellitus is not typically considered a direct risk factor for AAA. However, diabetes is a risk factor for atherosclerosis, which can contribute to various vascular conditions.

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The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with pericarditis. What serious complication should this patient be monitored for?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which action should the nurse include in a community health program to decrease the incidence of rheumatic fever?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is ["A","B"]

Explanation

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