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Question 1

What is the most common cause of pericarditis?

Answer 1

Viral infection

Most cases are caused by viruses, especially Coxsackievirus and Echovirus.

Question 2

Name three common symptoms of pericarditis.

Answer 2

Chest pain, pericardial friction rub, dyspnea

Chest pain is sharp, and the friction rub is heard on auscultation. Dyspnea is common due to inflammation.

Question 3

How does pericarditis affect heart sounds during auscultation?

Answer 3

Pericardial friction rub

The sound is a scratchy, high-pitched noise from the inflamed pericardial layers rubbing together.

Question 4

What diagnostic tests are used for pericarditis?

Answer 4

ECG, echocardiogram, chest X-ray

ECG shows ST-segment elevation, echocardiogram reveals fluid around the heart, and chest X-ray may show an enlarged heart.

Question 5

What is a serious complication of pericarditis?

Answer 5

Cardiac tamponade

Fluid buildup in the pericardium can compress the heart, impairing its ability to pump blood.

Question 6

What is the treatment for viral pericarditis?

Answer 6

NSAIDs and colchicine

NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation, while colchicine prevents recurrence.

Question 7

How can a nurse manage pain in pericarditis?

Answer 7

Positioning and NSAIDs

Sitting up and leaning forward often relieves pain, and NSAIDs manage inflammation.

Question 8

What are common risk factors for pericarditis?

Answer 8

Viral infection, autoimmune diseases, kidney disease, heart surgery

These conditions increase the risk of inflammation in the pericardium.

Question 9

How can pericarditis be differentiated from a myocardial infarction (MI)?

Answer 9

ECG changes and pain characteristics

Pericarditis shows widespread ST elevation, while MI shows localized ST elevation. Pain in pericarditis worsens with breathing.

Question 10

What is the goal of pericarditis treatment?

Answer 10

Relieve inflammation, pain, and prevent complications

The primary goal is to manage symptoms and prevent issues like cardiac tamponade.

Question 11

What is Addison’s disease?

Answer 11

Adrenal insufficiency

Addison’s disease occurs when the adrenal glands produce insufficient amounts of cortisol and aldosterone.

Question 12

What is the most common cause of Addison’s disease?

Answer 12

Autoimmune response

The immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal glands, leading to their dysfunction.

Question 13

Name three common symptoms of Addison’s disease.

Answer 13

Fatigue, weight loss, hyperpigmentation

Patients often experience extreme fatigue, unintentional weight loss, and darkening of the skin, especially in sun-exposed areas.

Question 14

What lab findings are typically seen in Addison’s disease?

Answer 14

Low sodium, high potassium, low cortisol

Due to reduced aldosterone, sodium is lost, potassium levels rise, and cortisol production is insufficient.

Question 15

What is the treatment for Addison’s disease?

Answer 15

Hormone replacement therapy

Patients require lifelong replacement of glucocorticoids (e.g., hydrocortisone) and mineralocorticoids (e.g., fludrocortisone).

Question 16

What is Addisonian crisis?

Answer 16

Severe adrenal insufficiency

Addisonian crisis is a life-threatening emergency triggered by stress, infection, or missed medication, causing hypotension, severe weakness, and possible shock.

Question 17

How should a nurse manage a patient in Addisonian crisis?

Answer 17

Administer IV fluids and steroids

Immediate treatment includes IV saline to restore blood volume and IV hydrocortisone to replace cortisol.

Question 18

What triggers an Addisonian crisis?

Answer 18

Infection, trauma, discontinuing medications, stress

Any significant stressor, including infections or stopping hormone therapy, can precipitate an Addisonian crisis.

Question 19

What is the classic appearance of the skin in Addison’s disease?

Answer 19

Hyperpigmentation

The excess production of ACTH due to low cortisol causes darkening of the skin, especially in folds and sun-exposed areas.

Question 20

What is the role of aldosterone in Addison’s disease?

Answer 20

Regulates sodium and potassium balance

Low aldosterone causes sodium loss and potassium retention, leading to electrolyte imbalances and symptoms like weakness and low blood pressure.

Question 21

What is the fastest acting insulin?

Answer 21

Insulin lispro (Humalog)

It starts to work within 15 minutes and peaks in 1-2 hours, making it ideal for controlling blood sugar after meals.

Question 22

What is the longest acting insulin?

Answer 22

Insulin glargine (Lantus)

Insulin glargine provides 24-hour basal coverage with no peak, offering steady blood glucose control throughout the day.

Question 23

What insulin is used for meal coverage?

Answer 23

Rapid-acting insulin (e.g., Insulin aspart (NovoLog), Insulin lispro (Humalog))

These insulins act quickly to cover blood sugar spikes after meals and typically peak in about 1-2 hours.

Question 24

What is the typical onset, peak, and duration of short-acting insulin (Regular insulin)?

Answer 24

Onset: 30 minutes, Peak: 2-3 hours, Duration: 5-8 hours

Regular insulin is slower than rapid-acting insulin but is used to cover both meals and basal needs.

Question 25

Which insulin is used as a basal insulin?

Answer 25

Long-acting insulin (e.g., Insulin glargine (Lantus), Insulin detemir (Levemir)) ## Footnote These insulins provide continuous insulin release over 24 hours to maintain blood sugar levels between meals and overnight.

Question 26

What is the role of intermediate-acting insulin (NPH)?

Answer 26

Basal control with a peak ## Footnote NPH insulin provides coverage for 8-12 hours, with a peak effect around 4-6 hours, used to control blood sugar in between meals.

Question 27

What insulin is often used in a combination therapy for diabetes?

Answer 27

Premixed insulin (e.g., Humulin 70/30, Novolin 70/30) ## Footnote Premixed insulins combine a rapid-acting and an intermediate-acting insulin to offer both meal and basal coverage in one injection.

Question 28

What is the typical onset, peak, and duration of long-acting insulin?

Answer 28

Onset: 1-2 hours, Peak: No peak, Duration: 24 hours ## Footnote Long-acting insulins, like glargine, provide a steady insulin level without a peak effect, covering the full day with a single dose.

Question 29

When should rapid-acting insulin be administered?

Answer 29

Immediately before or after meals ## Footnote Rapid-acting insulin is designed to work quickly to counteract the blood sugar spike from eating, so it should be injected within 15 minutes of a meal.

Question 30

What are common signs of insulin hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)?

Answer 30

Shaking, sweating, confusion, tachycardia ## Footnote Hypoglycemia can occur if insulin dosage is too high or meals are skipped, causing symptoms like shakiness, dizziness, and increased heart rate.