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 A
Explanation
Cardioversion involves delivering an electrical shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. While it may be used for certain types of tachyarrhythmias in adults, it is typically not the first-line treatment for SVT in pediatric patients.
In pediatric patients with SVT, the initial management options often include:
B. Vagal maneuvers: Non-invasive maneuvers like the Valsalva maneuver or carotid sinus massage can be attempted to try and break the SVT rhythm.
C. Adenosine: Adenosine is often the first-line medication used for terminating SVT in pediatric patients. It is given intravenously in a controlled setting under medical supervision.
D. Continue to monitor for 30 minutes: After successful termination of SVT, it's important to continue monitoring the child's heart rhythm and vital signs to ensure that the arrhythmia does not recur.
In pediatric patients, the decision to use cardioversion is usually reserved for situations where other methods, including medications and vagal maneuvers, have not been successful or if the child is unstable. Cardioversion in pediatric patients is performed under sedation or anesthesia to minimize discomfort.
Therefore, while cardioversion may be used in some cases, it is not the initial or most common approach for treating SVT in pediatric patients, making option A the answer to the question.
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