Heart Failure: Mechanisms and Management

In a patient with heart failure, which compensatory mechanism is most likely to lead to increased myocardial oxygen demand, potentially causing ischemia or arrhythmias?

A patient diagnosed with heart failure has an ejection fraction (EF) greater than 50%. Which type of heart failure does this patient most likely have?

A patient with chronic heart failure is prescribed spironolactone. What is the primary mechanism by which this medication provides a therapeutic benefit?

A patient with a history of heart failure presents with sudden, severe dyspnea, frothy, pink-tinged sputum, and bilateral crackles on auscultation. What is the MOST appropriate initial nursing intervention?

Which diagnostic finding is MOST indicative of right-sided heart failure?

What BEST describes the Frank-Starling law of the heart in the context of heart failure?

What is the underlying mechanism by which SGLT-2 inhibitors improve outcomes in heart failure?

Which statement BEST describes ventricular remodeling in heart failure?

Which of the following is a negative effect of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) activation as a compensatory mechanism in heart failure?

Which intervention is MOST appropriate for a patient experiencing acute decompensated heart failure with severe fluid overload?

What is the BEST explanation for why an echocardiogram is a crucial diagnostic tool in evaluating heart failure?

What is MOST likely to result in cor pulmonale?

What is the physiological basis for the use of nitrates in the treatment of heart failure?

Which of the following statements accurately differentiates between acute pericarditis and myocardial infarction (MI)?

A patient presents with chest pain exacerbated by deep inspiration and lying flat, relieved by sitting up and leaning forward. Which of the following conditions is MOST likely indicated by these symptoms?

What is the underlying mechanism by which colchicine is thought to be effective in treating pericarditis?

Which potential complication is MOST concerning following a pericardiocentesis?

Describe the pathophysiology of the cardiac damage that can occur in Rheumatic Heart Disease.

Which of the following accurately links a clinical manifestation to infective endocarditis?

What is the MOST critical initial step in treating a patient with suspected infective endocarditis (IE)?

Why is prophylactic antibiotic administration recommended by clinicians for some patients undergoing certain procedures?

A definitive diagnosis of acute myocarditis BEST relies on which diagnostic test?

Following an acute viral infection, a patient develops increasing fatigue, dyspnea, and peripheral edema. Which condition should be suspected?

Which of the following is the MOST likely etiology of acute myocarditis?

What is a KEY intervention in managing a patient with acute myocarditis?

Which lab result is MOST indicative of chronic constrictive pericarditis?

A patient with a history of IV drug use is admitted with a fever, new heart murmur, and splinter hemorrhages. What complication of infective endocarditis (IE) is MOST concerning?

Why is prolonged PR interval on ECG MOST concerning with Rheumatic fever?

Why is long term antibiotic use appropriate with infective endocarditis?

Why is it important that someone presenting with infective endocarditis have a follow up ECHO after the initial condition is being treated?

What is the MOST appropriate method to determine the causative agent in acute pericarditis?

Which is the MOST reliable indicator of rheumatic heart disease

What is a diagnostic criteria associated with the diagnosis of Rheumatic Fever?

A client returns to the clinic 2 weeks after being diagnosed with acute pericarditis. Which manifestations would suggest to the nurse that the client is developing cardiac tamponade?

Which is the MOST concerning and important educational point for the nurse to include when educating a patient being discharged with acute pericarditis?

Following discharge teaching, the nurse evaluates the client's understanding of self-care measures to prevent heart failure exacerbations. Which statement by the client indicates a need for additional teaching?

A patient diagnosed with acute myocarditis is experiencing a rapid decline in cardiac function. Which of the following interventions addresses the MOST critical underlying pathophysiologic mechanism?

A patient with chronic constrictive pericarditis has developed significant ascites and peripheral edema despite maximal diuretic therapy. What surgical intervention offers the BEST long-term improvement in hemodynamics and symptom management?

A patient with infective endocarditis (IE) develops a sudden, severe headache, unilateral weakness, and vision changes. What is the MOST likely underlying cause of these new findings, and what is the MOST appropriate immediate diagnostic test?

A young adult with a history of untreated streptococcal pharyngitis presents with new-onset heart failure symptoms, migratory polyarthritis, and subcutaneous nodules. Which of the following pathophysiological processes is PRIMARILY responsible for the cardiac manifestations observed in this patient?

A patient with a history of heart failure and hypertension returns for a follow-up appointment. The patient reports an unintentional weight gain of 6 pounds in the last 3 days. Recognizing the adverse effects of RAAS activation in heart failure, what medication should the provider consider FIRST?