Which disorder would the nurse recognize as the likely cause of right heart failure (cor pulmonale)?

Upper GI bleeding

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Liver failure

Renal failure

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: Upper GI bleeding is not a direct cause of right heart failure (cor pulmonale). While severe GI bleeding can lead to other complications such as anemia or shock, it does not typically result in cor pulmonale.

Choice B reason: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a primary cause of cor pulmonale. COPD leads to chronic hypoxia, which increases pressure in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary hypertension). The right ventricle of the heart must work harder to pump blood through these high-pressure arteries, eventually leading to right heart failure.

Choice C reason: Liver failure can lead to various systemic complications such as fluid imbalance and electrolyte disturbances, but it is not a direct cause of right heart failure (cor pulmonale). Cor pulmonale is specifically related to pulmonary conditions that increase right ventricular workload.

Choice D reason: Renal failure, while serious and capable of causing cardiovascular complications due to fluid overload and hypertension, is not typically linked to the development of cor pulmonale. The primary cause of cor pulmonale is chronic lung disease like COPD, which directly affects the pulmonary vasculature.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Hypertension, often called the "silent killer," is usually asymptomatic until significant target organ damage has occurred. This means that many people with hypertension do not experience symptoms until their blood pressure has been high for a long time, leading to damage in organs such as the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes. Therefore, it's crucial for patients to understand the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring and management even in the absence of symptoms.

Choice B reason: While annual BP checks are useful for monitoring treatment effectiveness, more frequent monitoring may be necessary for newly diagnosed patients or those with poorly controlled hypertension. This information is important but not the most critical point compared to understanding the asymptomatic nature of hypertension.

Choice C reason: Increasing physical activity can help control blood pressure for many individuals, but it is not universally effective for everyone. While important, this information is part of a broader lifestyle modification plan rather than the single most critical point to emphasize.

Choice D reason: Dietary changes can play a significant role in controlling blood pressure, but not all individuals can control their BP through diet alone. Emphasizing this may give a false sense of control without highlighting the importance of medication and other interventions when needed.

A. Kidney failure B. Aspiration pneumonia C. Hypotension D. Heart failure

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Kidney failure is not a common immediate complication related to the patient's presentation of sudden right-sided weakness and difficulty speaking, which are indicative of a stroke. Although diabetes and hypertension can eventually lead to kidney issues, this is not an acute complication.

Choice B reason: Aspiration pneumonia is a potential complication of the patient's condition, especially given the presence of expressive aphasia. Patients with neurological deficits, particularly those affecting speech and swallowing, are at higher risk of aspirating food or liquids into the lungs, leading to pneumonia.

Choice C reason: Hypotension is not commonly a direct complication of a stroke, especially considering the patient's elevated blood pressure. Stroke patients often present with hypertension rather than hypotension.

Choice D reason: Heart failure, while related to the patient's underlying conditions like hypertension and possibly diabetes, is not an immediate complication of the acute neurological event described. The focus should be more on the neurological and respiratory complications.

View Question and Answer

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

Which disorder would the nurse recognize as the likely cause of right heart failure (cor pulmonale)?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which information is most important for the nurse to include when teaching a patient newly diagnosed with hypertension?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse works in a clinic located in a community where many of the residents are Hispanic. Which strategy, if implemented by the nurse, would decrease health care disparities and promote health equity for this community?

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on daily prednisone therapy has been eating very little and has lost weight. Which interventions are appropriate for the nurse to include in the care plan? Select all that apply.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention is a core measure for hospitalized patients.

The nurse is planning to administer a transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) to a patient with blood loss from a gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Which action can the nurse delegate to the nursing assistant (unlicensed assistive personnel)?

A patient arrives in the emergency department with a swollen ankle after a soccer injury. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

When suctioning a patient, the development of which three clinical manifestations indicates that the nurse would discontinue suctioning immediately?