Dysrhythmias Flashcards
What is the main effect of dysrhythmias on the heart?
A. Increased heart rate and blood pressure
B. Decreased cardiac output and blood pressure
C. Increased risk of stroke
D. Improved heart function
B. Decreased cardiac output and blood pressure
Rationale: Dysrhythmias disrupt normal heart rhythms, leading to impaired heart function, reduced cardiac output, and often low blood pressure.
Which of the following is NOT a common cause of dysrhythmias?
A. Hypoxia
B. Myocardial ischemia
C. Drug toxicity
D. High calcium intake
D. High calcium intake
Rationale: While hypoxia, myocardial ischemia, and drug toxicity can all lead to dysrhythmias, high calcium intake is not typically a primary cause.
Which of the following are common manifestations of dysrhythmias?
A. Palpitations, dyspnea, syncope, fatigue
B. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
C. Excessive sweating, muscle cramps
D. Jaundice, cold extremities, confusion
A. Palpitations, dyspnea, syncope, fatigue
Rationale: Common symptoms of dysrhythmias include palpitations (feeling of irregular heartbeats), difficulty breathing (dyspnea), fainting (syncope), and fatigue due to decreased cardiac output.
What is the role of invasive electrophysiologic studies (EP) in diagnosing dysrhythmias?
A. To assess blood flow through the heart
B. To measure oxygen levels in the blood
C. To evaluate the electrical activity of the heart
D. To test heart muscle strength
C. To evaluate the electrical activity of the heart
Rationale: Invasive electrophysiologic studies (EP) are used to map out the electrical pathways in the heart to diagnose and treat dysrhythmias by identifying abnormal electrical activity.
What is the treatment for dysrhythmias?
A. Antibiotics and oxygen therapy
B. Antidysrhythmics, internal pacemaker/defibrillator, and ablation
C. Diuretics and vasodilators
D. Corticosteroids and antipyretics
B. Antidysrhythmics, internal pacemaker/defibrillator, and ablation
Rationale: Treatment for dysrhythmias may involve antidysrhythmic drugs to stabilize the heart’s rhythm, implantation of a pacemaker or defibrillator, or ablation (destroying abnormal tissue causing the dysrhythmia).
Which of the following can cause dysrhythmias?
A. Stress and myocardial infarction
B. Excessive physical activity and dehydration
C. Low sodium levels in the blood
D. Exposure to cold temperatures
A. Stress and myocardial infarction
Rationale: Stress and myocardial infarction (heart attack) are both known to disrupt the heart’s electrical activity and lead to dysrhythmias.
What is a common cause of dysrhythmias related to electrolyte imbalance?
A. Low levels of potassium or magnesium
B. Excessive calcium intake
C. High sodium levels
D. Iron deficiency
A. Low levels of potassium or magnesium
Rationale: Low levels of potassium or magnesium can disrupt the electrical activity of the heart, increasing the risk of dysrhythmias.
What is NOT typically a symptom of a dysrhythmia?
A. Abnormal heart rate
B. Syncope (fainting)
C. Fatigue
D. High blood pressure
D. High blood pressure
Rationale: Dysrhythmias often cause low blood pressure and abnormal heart rates, but they do not typically cause high blood pressure directly. Symptoms commonly include syncope, fatigue, and abnormal heart rate.
Which treatment option for dysrhythmias involves destroying abnormal heart tissue?
A. Antidysrhythmic medications
B. Pacemaker implantation
C. Ablation
D. Defibrillation
C. Ablation
Rationale: Ablation is a procedure used to destroy abnormal tissue in the heart that is causing dysrhythmias, helping to restore normal heart rhythm.
Which of the following is a congenital condition that could lead to dysrhythmias?
A. Myocardial infarction
B. Congenital heart defects
C. Electrolyte imbalance
D. Drug toxicity
B. Congenital heart defects
Rationale: Congenital heart defects can disrupt normal heart function and lead to electrical alterations, including dysrhythmias.
