Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

What role does digitalis play in managing heart failure?

1. It increases heart rate

2. It decreases myocardial contraction strength

3. It enhances myocardial contractility

4. It primarily treats arrhythmias

The correct answer is: It enhances myocardial contractility

Digitalis plays a crucial role in managing heart failure by enhancing myocardial contractility. This means that digitalis improves the strength of the heart's contractions, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with heart failure. By increasing the contractile force of the heart muscle, digitalis helps to improve cardiac output, allowing the heart to pump more effectively and efficiently. The increased myocardial contractility leads to better circulation and reduced symptoms associated with heart failure, such as fatigue and shortness of breath. This effect is achieved by the inhibition of the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, which ultimately increases intracellular calcium levels, contributing to stronger heart contractions. While digitalis does have effects on heart rate and can treat certain arrhythmias, its primary and most significant impact in the context of heart failure management is the enhancement of contractility.