A 60-year-old client with long-standing hypertension reports shortness of breath and exercise intolerance. Assessment reveals left ventricular hypertrophy. The nurse understands that the hypertrophy developed because the heart has been pumping against increased resistance for years. Which cardiovascular parameter was chronically elevated?

A 58-year-old client develops severe bradycardia due to dysfunction of the sinoatrial node. The cardiologist recommends placement of an artificial pacemaker. What is the primary purpose of the pacemaker?

A 65-year-old client with heart failure is prescribed digitalis. The nurse teaches that this medication increases the strength of cardiac contractions while slowing the heart rate. Which outcome indicates the medication is working effectively?

A nurse is discussing cardiac muscle physiology. Unlike skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle has a long refractory period. Why is this characteristic important?

A nurse is explaining heart valves to a client. The client understands that valves ensure one-way blood flow. Which valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle?

A nursing instructor reviews the layers of the heart wall. The myocardium is emphasized as the thickest layer and the one responsible for pumping blood. Why is the myocardium especially thick in the ventricles?

A nurse is reviewing a complete blood count. The student asks what an elevated white blood cell count may indicate. Which interpretation is most appropriate?

A nurse is teaching the stages of hemostasis. The student states that vascular spasm occurs first after vessel injury. Which event occurs during platelet plug formation?

A nurse is teaching about blood typing before transfusion. The student states that incompatible blood can cause agglutination and hemolysis. Which nursing action is most important before administering blood?

The pink-colored layer just above the photosphere is the