Which of the following options gives a nurse the most accurate diagnostic picture of a cardiac issue?
Echocardiogram
Cardiac Catheterization
Chest X-Ray (CXR)
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
The Correct Answer is A
B. Cardiac Catheterization.
Cardiac Catheterization (B): Cardiac catheterization is an invasive procedure that involves threading a catheter into the heart's chambers and major blood vessels. It allows direct visualization of the coronary arteries, measurement of blood pressure within the heart, assessment of blood flow, and the ability to perform interventions such as angioplasty or stent placement. Cardiac catheterization is considered the gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease, evaluating heart valve function, and detecting congenital heart abnormalities.
Explanation:
A. Echocardiogram (A): An echocardiogram is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. It is excellent for assessing the structure and function of the heart, including heart valve function and blood flow patterns. While it is a valuable tool for cardiac assessment, it may not provide the level of detail and direct visualization that cardiac catheterization offers.
C. Chest X-Ray (CXR) (C): A chest X-ray can provide information about the size and shape of the heart and detect certain abnormalities such as an enlarged heart or fluid in the lungs. However, it may not offer the level of detail required to diagnose specific cardiac issues accurately.
D. Electrocardiogram (ECG) (D): An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and is useful for diagnosing arrhythmias and certain conduction abnormalities. While it provides essential information about cardiac rhythm, it does not directly visualize the structural aspects of the heart or blood flow.
In summary, while each of these diagnostic tools plays a crucial role in assessing cardiac issues, cardiac catheterization is the most accurate and comprehensive option for diagnosing a wide range of cardiac conditions due to its direct visualization and intervention capabilities. However, the choice of diagnostic test should always be made based on the patient's specific clinical presentation and the suspected cardiac problem.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Creatinine is a waste product generated by muscle metabolism and excreted by the kidneys. It is commonly used as a marker of renal function because it is filtered by the glomeruli and almost entirely excreted in the urine. When there is a reduction in GFR, as in acute renal failure, creatinine levels in the blood tend to rise. Elevated serum creatinine levels are indicative of impaired kidney function and a decreased GFR.
The other options are not direct indicators of GFR:
A. Protein level: While proteinuria (elevated protein levels in urine) can be a sign of kidney dysfunction, it is not a direct measurement of GFR. Proteinuria can occur for various reasons, including glomerular damage, but it doesn't provide a precise assessment of GFR.
C. Osmolality: Urine osmolality reflects the concentration of solutes in urine but is not a direct measure of GFR. It can provide information about the concentrating ability of the kidneys, but it doesn't assess the overall filtration rate.
D. pH: Urine pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of urine and is not a direct indicator of GFR. It can be influenced by factors such as diet and renal tubular function but does not directly measure the filtration rate of the glomeruli.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Kawasaki disease is a rare but serious condition that primarily affects children, particularly those under the age of 5. It is characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels throughout the body, including the coronary arteries. If left untreated, Kawasaki disease can lead to the development of aneurysms in the coronary arteries. These aneurysms can put the child at risk for complications such as thrombosis (clot formation) or rupture of the affected arteries, which can be life-threatening.
The other options (A, C, and D) are not typically associated with Kawasaki disease:
A. Sepsis: Kawasaki disease is not an infectious disease, and it does not directly lead to sepsis. It is an inflammatory condition believed to have an autoimmune component.
C. Meningitis: Kawasaki disease primarily affects blood vessels and does not lead to the development of meningitis.
D. Mitral valve disease: While Kawasaki disease can affect the cardiovascular system, it is not a direct cause of mitral valve disease. The development of mitral valve disease would be a separate cardiac issue unrelated to Kawasaki disease.
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.