Cardiomyopathy NCLEX questions
A patient with restrictive cardiomyopathy is experiencing severe dyspnea. Which of the following is the nurse's priority action? A. Administer a bronchodilator B. Elevate the head of the bead C. Administer IV fluids D. Perform chest physiotherapy
Answer. B. Elevate the head of the bed. Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed improves lung expansion and reduces the work of breathing in a patient with cardiomyopathy and dyspnea.
A patient with dilated cardiomyopathy is scheduled for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) insertion. The patient asks why this is necessary. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse? A. " The ICD will prevent further progression of cardiomyopathy". B. " The ICD will regulate your blood pressure". C. " The ICD will correct life-threatening arrhythmias." D. " The ICD will improve your overall heart function".
Answer. C " The ICD will correct life threatening arrhythmias". Rationale: ICDs are used to correct life-threatening arrhythmias that are common in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
A patient with dilated cardiomyopathy is admitted with pulmonary edema. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first? A. Administer IV furosemide. B. Insert and indwelling urinary catheter C. Obtain a Chest X-Ray D. Start an infusion of normal saline.
Answer: A. Administer IV Furosemide Rationale: Furosemide helps reduce fluid overload, a priority in treating pulmonary edema.
A patient with dilated cardiomyopathy is at risk for ventricular arrhythmias. What intervention should the nurse anticipate to reduce this risk? A. Administering amiodarone. B. Administering digoxin C. Administering beta-blockers D. Administering nitrates
Answer: A. Administering Amiodarone Rationale: Amiodarone is an anti-arrhythmic that reduces the risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
A patient with dilated cardiomyopathy is prescribed a diuretic and a beta-blocker. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to perform before administering these medication? A. Blood pressure and heart rate. B. Blood glucose levels C. Oxygen Saturation D. Peripheral pulses
Answer: A. Blood pressure and heart rate Rationale: Both diuretics and beta-blockers can lower blood pressure and heart rate, so these parameters must be assessed before administration.
The patient with restrictive cardiomyopathy asks the nurse about treatment options. Which treatment is most likely to be recommended? A. Heart Transplant B. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) C. Percutaneous Coronary intervention (PCI) D. Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)
Answer: A. Heart Transplant Rationale: Restrictive cardiomyopathy often has limited treatment options and heart transplant may be the only definitive treatment for end-stage disease.
A patient with dilated cardiomyopathy is experiencing orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. Which of the following should the nurse recommend? A. Sleep with the head of the bed elevated. B. Increase fluid intake before bedtime. C. Perform deep breathing exercises D. Use compression stockings
Answer: A. Sleep with the head of the bed elevated. Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce venous return and improve breathing for patients with orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
A patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is undergoing genetic testing. The patient asks the nurse, " Why is my family being asked to get tested too?" What is the nurses's best response? A. " This test can determine if you inherited your condition." B. " We want to see if your condition is worsening." C. "This test checks for heart function in your family members." D. " It helps to evaluate your risk for other types of heart disease."
Answer: A: " This test can determine if you inherited your condition." Rationale: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is often genetic. Testing family members can identify whether they have inherited the condition, which allows for early intervention
A patient with Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy reports dizziness when standing up. Which teaching point is most important for the nurse to include? A. Increase fluid intake B. Avoid standing up quickly C. Increase Salt intake D. Decrease Physical Activity
Answer: B Avoid standing up quickly Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension can occur in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and standing up slowly can prevent dizziness.
A patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy asks the nurse about exercise. Which is the most appropriate response? A. " You should avoid all types of physical activity." B. " Engage in moderate exercise like walking but avoid high- intensity activities." C. " You can participate in any exercise if you feel well enough." D. " Only high-intensity sports are recommended to build heart strength."
Answer: B. " Engage in moderate exercise like walking but avoid high-intensity activities." Rationale: Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy should avoid high-intensity activities that can exacerbate outflow obstruction or provoke arrhythmias, but moderate activities like walking are beneficial.
A patient with dilated cardiomyopathy presents with symptoms of heart failure, including significant edema. The healthcare provider orders a low-sodium diet. Which rationale should the nurse provide for this intervention? A. "It helps to strengthen your heart muscles." B. "It reduces fluid retention, which helps decrease the workload on your heart". C. " It will improve your breathing". D. "It will help increase your energy levels".
Answer: B. " It reduces fluid retention, which helps decrease the workload on your heart." Rationale: Sodium contributes to fluid retention, exacerbating heart failure
A patient with dilated cardiomyopathy is being discharged with a new prescription for spironolactone. Which teaching point should the nurse emphasize? A. " Take this medication at bedtime to avoid dizziness." B. " Avoid foods high in potassium while taking this medication." C. "Monitor your blood pressure daily to avoid hypotension." D. "Report any weight gain greater than 2 pounds in 24 hours."
Answer: B. "Avoid foods high in potassium while taking this medication." Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, so patients should avoid foods high in potassium to prevent hyperkalemia.
A 42-year old patient with restrictive cardiomyopathy reports worsening fatigue and shortness of breath. Upon assessment, the nurse notes decreased breath sounds at the lung bases and peripheral edema. Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate? A. Impaired Gas Exchange B. Activity Intolerance C. Ineffective Airway Clearance. D. Deficient Knowledge
Answer: B. Activity Intolerance Rationale: Fatigue and shortness of breath with peripheral edema in restrictive cardiomyopathy indicate decreased cardiac output, leading to activity intolerance.
A patient with restrictive cardiomyopathy is at risk for thromboembolism. Which of the following interventions should the nurse anticipate? A. Administering Aspirin B. Administering Warfarin C. Administering Clopidogrel D. Administering Heparin.
Answer: B. Administer Warfarin Rationale: Warfarin is often used for long-term anticoagulation in cardiomyopathy patients at risk for thromboembolism.
A patient with cardiomyopathy is experiencing fatigue and shortness of breath. The nurse notes jugular vein distention and bilateral pitting edema. What nursing intervention is most appropriate? A. Encourage increased oral fluid intake B. Educate the patient about daily weight monitoring C. Encourage the patient to walk every 2 hours. D. Restrict Sodium to 4 grams per day
Answer: B. Educate the patient about daily weight monitoring Rationale: Monitoring daily weight helps assess fluid retention, a key management strategy in cardiomyopathy.
A patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is admitted for worsening chest pain. Which of the following medications should the nurse question if ordered by the healthcare provider? A. Metoprolol B. Nitroglycerin C. Verapamil D. Amiodarone
Answer: B. Nitroglycerin Rationale: Nitroglycerin should be used cautiously in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy because it reduces preload, potentially worsening the outflow obstruction.
A patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is prescribed an antiarrhythmic medication. What should the nurse monitor closely during therapy? A. Blood glucose levels B. Heart rhythm on a cardiac monitor C. Urine Output D. Mental status
Answer: B: Heart rhythm on a cardiac monitor Rationale: Anti-arrhythmic medications can potentially cause or worsen arrhythmias, so continuous cardiac monitoring (B ) is essential.
A patient with dilated cardiomyopathy is prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. The patient asks why they need this medication. Which is the best response by the nurse? A. "It reduces fluid buildup in your lungs." B. "It will make your heart pump stronger". C. "It decreases the workload of your heart by lowering blood pressure." D. "It prevents the formation of blood clots".
Answer: C. " It decreases the workload of your heart by lowering blood pressure". Rationale: ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure and reduce after load, which decreases the heart's workload.
A patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy reports palpitations and dizziness. Which lifestyle change should the nurse recommend to reduce symptoms? A. Increase salt intake B. Engage in strenuous exercise C. Avoid dehydration D. Sleep in a supine position
Answer: C. Avoid dehydration Rationale: dehydration can exacerbate the symptoms of hypertrophic myopathy by reducing preload, worsening the obstruction. Patients should avoid dehydration to maintain adequate blood volume.
A 55- year old patient with dilated cardiomyopathy is admitted for increasing dyspnea and fatigue. The nurse assesses the patient's medication list. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate the healthcare provider will order to improve cardiac output? A. Metoprolol B. Furosemide C. Digoxin D. Liniopril
Answer: C. Digoxin Rationale: Digoxin increases the force of myocardial contraction, improving cardiac output, which is crucial in dilated cardiomyopathy.
A patient with restrictive cardiomyopathy has an ejection fraction (EF) of 30%. Which nursing action is the priority? A. Encourage physical activity B. Educate the patient on low-sodium diet C. Monitor for signs of heart failure D. Instruct on fluid restriction
Answer: C. Monitor for signs of heart failure Rationale: With an ejection fraction of 30%, the patient is at high risk for heart failure, making monitoring for signs of decompensation the priority.
A patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is prescribed a beta-blocker. What is the primary goal of this medication in this condition? A. to increase cardiac contractility. B. To reduce the risk of thromboembolism. C. To reduce the heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand D. To improve pulmonary function
Answer: C. To reduce the heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand. Rationale: Beta-blockers reduce heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand, which helps prevent outflow obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
A patient with restrictive cardiomyopathy is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization. Which of the following should the nurse include in pre procedure teaching? A. " You will need to fast for 12 hours before the procedure." B. " A small incision will be made in your chest." C. " This procedure will assess the pressure inside your heart." D. " You will be under general anesthesia during the procedure."
Answer: C: " This procedure will assess the pressure inside your heart." Rationale: Cardiac catheterization is used to measure intracardiac pressures in restrictive cardiomyopathy, a key diagnostic tool.
A patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy presents with sudden syncope. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize? A. Administer oxygen B. initiate CPR C. Prepare for defibrillation D. Assess the airway and breathing
Answer: D. Assess the airway and breathing Rationale: Syncope in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is often related to outflow obstruction or arrhythmias.
A patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy presents with chest pain and palpitations. Which diagnostic test should the nurse anticipate being ordered first? A. Chest X-Ray B. Echocardiogram C. Stress test D. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Answer: D. ECG Rationale: ECG is typically the first diagnostic test ordered to assess for arrhythmias in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy presenting with chest pain and palpitations
