Patho Final Exam 1

True or False: Reduction of blood flow to the kidneys causes the liver to secrete renin.

False. The reduction of blood flow to the kidneys triggers the kidneys, not the liver, to release renin.

What results from the abnormal production of renin?

Conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I

What is the first intervention when working with a patient who is hypotensive?

Ensure the patient is safe.

What statement defines preload?

The volume of blood that stretches the ventricle at the end of diastole.

Which organ passes along aldosterone causing water and sodium retention?

Kidneys

Which description defines myocardial contractility?

Contractile performance of the heart

Which description best defines afterload?

The force the heart muscle must generate to eject blood from the ventricles

Which two of the following are the first to respond when the heart stops meeting the metabolic needs of the body?

• Frank-Sterling mechanism: an intrinsic property of the heart - it’s the heart’s immediate response to changes in blood volume

• Sympathetic nervous system: activated to increase heart rate and contractility (fight or flight)

Which best describes stroke volume?

Volume of blood ejected from the ventricle with each contraction

Which blood pressure reading is considered hypotensive?

86/42 mm Hg

An ED nurse is admitting 4 patients. Which patient is a candidate for immediate percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)

A patient with a STEMI who reports severe left arm pain.

What is NOT a symptom of myocardial infarction (MI)?

Headache

Which cardiac enzyme is the most cardiac specific?

Troponin

A pts. baseline BP is 86/42 he is resting comfortably in his room. His current BP is 84/42. What is the best action?

Continue to monitor the patient.

Which is not a cause of hypotension?

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system

Which event causes vessel constriction?

Angiotensin I conversion to angiotensin II

When giving a beta blocker to a patient who has heart failure. Which statement may be included in the patient education?

"This medication will improve your survival and symptoms of heart failure."

Which serum lab value can assist in diagnosing heart failure?

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)

Upon assessment, the nurse notes a patient has crackles and dyspnea.

What does this indicate?

The patient's LEFT side of the heart is affected.

Essential hypertension is a result of what?

Increased cardiac output and vascular resistance

A patient has an ejection fraction (EF) of 35%. What does this indicate?

The patient is in systolic heart failure.

What is the initial treatment for a patient experiencing myocardial infarction (MI)? *Remember MONA*

Aspirin, oxygen, morphine, nitroglycerin

Increased sodium and water in the blood results in what?

Increased blood volume

Which is a symptom of hypotension?

Dizziness

What is the primary cause of myocardial infarction (MI)?

Coronary artery disease

Renin

An enzyme made by special cells in your kidneys. It's part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system — a chain reaction designed to regulate your blood pressure. Specifically, renin controls the production of aldosterone, a hormone made by your adrenal glands.