Heart Failure Quiz

Which of the following conditions may lead to heart failure?

• Hyperthyroidism

• Valvular heart disease

• Diabetes mellitus

• Chronic kidney disease

Answer explanation

Valvular heart disease can lead to heart failure due to the heart's inability to pump effectively when valves are damaged or narrowed. While other conditions can contribute to heart issues, valvular disease is a direct cause of heart failure.

A nurse is assessing a client with right-sided heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• Pulmonary congestion

• Peripheral edema

• Orthopnea

• Decreased oxygen saturation

Answer explanation

In right-sided heart failure, blood backs up in the systemic circulation, leading to peripheral edema. Pulmonary congestion, orthopnea, and decreased oxygen saturation are more associated with left-sided heart failure.

Which of the following is a goal of heart failure treatment?

• Increase myocardial oxygen demand

• Decrease the workload of the heart

• Increase afterload

• Increase systemic vascular resistance

Answer explanation

A key goal of heart failure treatment is to decrease the workload of the heart. This helps improve heart function and reduces symptoms, unlike increasing myocardial oxygen demand or afterload, which can worsen heart failure.

A client with heart failure is prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. What is the primary action of this medication?

• Increase myocardial contractility

• Reduce preload and afterload

• Increase sodium and water retention

• Increase vascular resistance

Answer explanation

The primary action of ACE inhibitors is to reduce preload and afterload by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation and decreased fluid retention, which helps alleviate heart failure symptoms.

Which of the following is a side effect of beta blockers?

• Tachycardia

• Hypertension

• Bradycardia

• Hyperkalemia

Answer explanation

Bradycardia is a known side effect of beta blockers, as these medications reduce heart rate. In contrast, tachycardia and hypertension are conditions that beta blockers aim to treat, while hyperkalemia is unrelated.

A nurse is monitoring a client receiving digoxin. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse recognize as digoxin toxicity?

• Hypertension

• Blurred vision with yellow halos

• Increased urinary output

• Tachycardia

Answer explanation

Blurred vision with yellow halos is a classic sign of digoxin toxicity, indicating visual disturbances. Other options like hypertension, increased urinary output, and tachycardia are not specific indicators of toxicity.

A client taking furosemide (Lasix) for heart failure should be monitored for which electrolyte imbalance?

• Hyperkalemia

• Hypocalcemia

• Hypokalemia

• Hypermagnesemia

Answer explanation

Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion of potassium, leading to hypokalemia. Therefore, clients on furosemide should be monitored for low potassium levels.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3

A nurse is preparing to administer IV digoxin. How long should the medication be administered over?

• 30 seconds

• 1 minute

• 3 minutes

• 5 minutes

Answer explanation

IV digoxin should be administered over 3 minutes to ensure safe and effective delivery, minimizing the risk of adverse effects. This duration allows for proper absorption and reduces the likelihood of complications.

A client with heart failure is prescribed an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI). What is the expected effect of this medication?

• Decreased cardiac workload

• Increased blood pressure

• Increased vascular volume

• Increased myocardial oxygen demand

Answer explanation

ARNIs reduce cardiac workload by promoting vasodilation and decreasing fluid retention, which helps alleviate symptoms of heart failure. This leads to improved cardiac efficiency and lower myocardial oxygen demand.

Which drug class is NOT a first-line treatment for heart failure?

• ACE inhibitors

• Beta blockers

• Digoxin

• Angiotensin-receptor blockers

Answer explanation

Digoxin is not a first-line treatment for heart failure; it is used in specific cases, often as an add-on therapy. In contrast, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and angiotensin-receptor blockers are standard first-line treatments.