While reading a patient's history, which finding will cause the nurse to assess the patient for both valvular stenosis and regurgitation?
Rheumatic heart disease.
Syphilis infection.
Connective tissue disorders.
Heart failure.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Rheumatic heart disease can lead to valvular stenosis and regurgitation, but the question asks for a finding that will cause the nurse to assess the patient for both valvular stenosis and regurgitation. While rheumatic heart disease can affect the heart valves, it may predominantly lead to stenosis or regurgitation, not both simultaneously. Connective tissue disorders are more likely to affect multiple heart valves, causing both stenosis and regurgitation.
Choice B rationale:
Syphilis infection can cause syphilitic aortitis, which can lead to aortic valve regurgitation, but it doesn't commonly result in stenosis of heart valves. The question specifies assessing the patient for both valvular stenosis and regurgitation, so connective tissue disorders are a more appropriate choice as they can affect multiple valves simultaneously.
Choice C rationale:
Connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can lead to structural abnormalities in heart valves, causing both valvular stenosis and regurgitation. These conditions affect the connective tissues that provide support to heart valves, leading to their dysfunction. Therefore, when a nurse finds a patient with a connective tissue disorder in their history, it's important to assess the patient for both types of valve dysfunction.
Choice D rationale:
Heart failure is a general term for the inability of the heart to pump blood effectively. While heart failure can lead to valvular abnormalities over time, it is not the primary condition that causes both valvular stenosis and regurgitation. Connective tissue disorders are more specifically associated with these structural heart valve abnormalities. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Chorea is a movement disorder that can be seen in some cases of acute rheumatic fever, but it is not the result of an abnormal immune response to group A streptococcal cell membrane antigens. Chorea is characterized by involuntary, rapid, and irregular movements.
Choice C rationale:
C-reactive protein is a marker of inflammation and can be elevated in acute rheumatic fever, but it is not the primary cause of the condition. Acute rheumatic fever is an autoimmune response to group A streptococcal infection, and M proteins play a significant role in its pathophysiology.
Choice D rationale:
Streptolysin O is a toxin produced by some streptococcal bacteria but is not the primary cause of acute rheumatic fever. It can, however, contribute to the overall inflammatory response in certain cases.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Unstable plaque in the coronary arteries is a major risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI), also known as a heart attack. When the plaque ruptures or becomes unstable, it can lead to the formation of a blood clot, which can obstruct the blood flow to the heart muscle, causing myocardial infarction. The nurse should monitor for signs and symptoms of MI in this patient, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and ECG changes, to provide prompt intervention and prevent further cardiac damage.
Choice B rationale:
Stable angina is not the most immediate complication associated with unstable plaque in the coronary arteries. While stable angina is related to reduced blood flow to the heart, it is typically triggered by exertion or stress and relieved with rest or medication. Unstable plaque is more likely to lead to myocardial infarction, which is a more critical condition.
Choice C rationale:
Eupnea refers to normal, unlabored breathing and is not a complication associated with unstable plaque in the coronary arteries. It is essential to monitor the patient for cardiac-related complications, such as myocardial infarction, which can be life-threatening.
Choice D rationale:
Orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure upon standing, is not a typical complication of unstable plaque in the coronary arteries. The primary concern with unstable plaque is the risk of myocardial infarction, as it can lead to acute and severe cardiac damage.
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