Question 1

Which should the nurse anticipate to be included in the treatment plan for a client with stage A heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Stage A heart failure is considered to be "at risk" for developing heart failure, but does not yet have structural heart changes. The treatment plan for this stage typically involves lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss, exercise, and smoking cessation. Medications like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and cardiac glycosides are typically reserved for later stages of heart failure when there are more severe structural changes to the heart.

Question 2

Which classifications of prescriptions are used to increase cardiac output by increasing the force of myocardial contractions? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Cardiac glycosides (such as digoxin) and phosphodiesterase inhibitors (such as milrinone) are commonly used to increase cardiac output by increasing the force of myocardial contractions. Angiotensin receptor blockers, adrenergic blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are not typically used for this purpose.

Question 3

Which conditions contribute to heart failure? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Uncontrolled hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes (DM), and mitral stenosis are all conditions that can contribute to heart failure by causing damage to the heart muscle or impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. HIV, while a serious condition, is not directly linked to heart failure.

Question 4

Which vital sign is of the greatest concern to the nurse prior to administering digoxin (Lanoxin)?

Accepted Answer

The apical pulse is the vital sign of greatest concern prior to administering digoxin as it is a cardiac medication that can cause heart rhythm disturbances, and the goal is to ensure that the patient's heart rate falls within a safe range (usually between 60-100 beats per minute) before administering the drug. If the heart rate is too low or too high, the nurse will need to consult with the provider before administering digoxin.

Question 5

Which statements made by the client indicate an understanding of the compensatory mechanisms associated with heart failure? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) The heart enlarges (hypertrophy) in an attempt to improve its pumping ability, which is a compensatory mechanism in heart failure. B) The activation of the sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate and force of contraction to improve cardiac output, another compensatory mechanism. C) The body may redirect blood flow away from less vital organs to support critical organs like the brain and heart, indicating an understanding of compensatory mechanisms in heart failure.

Question 6

Which is the most serious adverse effect associated with milrinone (Primacor)?

Accepted Answer

The most serious adverse effect associated with milrinone is ventricular dysrhythmia.

Question 7

Which findings should the nurse anticipate when assessing a client developing right-sided heart failure? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which findings should the nurse anticipate when...

Question 8

Which statement made by the client indicates an understanding of self-care while taking prescriptions to treat their heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring weight is important in managing heart failure, as an increase in weight can be a sign of fluid retention. Checking pulse and scheduling lab work are also important, but not as directly relevant to self-care for heart failure as daily weight checks. cutting back on smoking is not a self-care strategy for heart failure.

Question 9

Which describes the action of vasodilators in the relief of symptoms of heart failure?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which describes the action of vasodilators in...

Question 10

Which laboratory values should the nurse assess for the client receiving lisinopril (Prinivil)? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which laboratory values should the nurse assess...

Quiz 27: Drugs for Heart Failure