The nurse is providing care for a patient with the following tracing on the electrocardiogram (ECG) for atrial fibrillation. What prescription should the nurse anticipate from the primary healthcare provider (PHCP)?
Adenosine
Diltiazem
Atropine
Captopril
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale: Adenosine Adenosine is a naturally occurring substance that relaxes and dilates blood vessels. It also affects the electrical activity of the heart. Adenosine is used to help restore normal heartbeats in people with certain heart rhythm disorders. However, it is not typically used for atrial fibrillation.
Choice B rationale: Diltiazem Diltiazem belongs to a class of medications called calcium-channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. Diltiazem also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. It is used in adults alone or in combination with other medications to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) or symptoms of angina (chest pain). Diltiazem injection is used in adults to treat certain heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation.
Choice C rationale: Atropine Atropine is a tropane alkaloid and anticholinergic medication used to treat certain types of nerve agent and pesticide poisonings as well as some types of slow heart rate, and to decrease saliva production during surgery. However, it is not typically used for atrial fibrillation.
Choice D rationale: Captopril Captopril is used in adults alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and congestive heart failure.
Captopril is also used to improve survival and reduce the risk of heart failure after a heart attack in patients with a heart condition called left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the walls of the left side of the heart)4. However, it is not typically used for atrial fibrillation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Left heart failure is a common cause of right heart failure. When the left side of the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, it can cause increased pressure in the lungs, which can then lead to right heart failure.
Choice B rationale
Pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac-like covering around the heart, is not typically a direct cause of right heart failure.
Choice C rationale
While hypertension, or high blood pressure, can contribute to heart failure, it typically affects the left side of the heart more than the right.
Choice D rationale
Acute pneumonia, an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, is not typically a direct cause of right heart failure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Heberden’s nodes are bony swellings that occur at the distal interphalangeal finger joint, a sign of osteoarthritis. They are not associated with infective endocarditis (IE).
Choice B rationale
Bouchard’s nodes are similar to Heberden’s nodes but occur at the proximal interphalangeal finger joint. They are also a sign of osteoarthritis and not associated with IE.
Choice C rationale
Janeway lesions are flat, painless, red or purple spots on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. They are associated with IE and are caused by septic emboli which are small clots filled with bacteria. These emboli can lodge in small blood vessels, causing these characteristic lesions.
Choice D rationale
Tophi are hard, uric acid deposits under the skin. They are a sign of chronic gout, not IE.
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