CARDIOVASCULAR NCLEX QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS AND RATIONALES 2024 UPDATED GUARANTEED PASS., Exams of Cardiology

Download CARDIOVASCULAR NCLEX QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS AND RATIONALES 2024 UPDATED GUARANTEED PASS. and more Exams Cardiology in PDF only on Docsity!

CARDIOVASCULAR NCLEX QUESTIONS

WITH ANSWERS AND RATIONALES 2024

UPDATED GUARANTEED PASS.

Which of the following are most likely to be early signs of cardiac problems in older persons? (Select all that apply.) Mental status changes Agitation Frequent falls Sudden changes in GI function - Answer Mental status changes Agitation Frequent falls Rationale: Many cardiovascular functions are complicated in that they involve many other systems. Mental status changes, agitation, and falls can be early signs of cardiac problems in the older person. Changes in function in the GI system are not typical signs of a cardiac problem. A patient has been diagnosed with Right-Sided Congestive Heart Failure, and is confused about return of deoxygenated blood from the tissue. To clarify the confusion, which chamber of the heart receives blood from systemic circulation? Left atrium Right atrium Right ventricle Left ventricle - Answer Right atrium Rationale: The right atrium is a thin-walled structure that receives deoxygenated blood from all the peripheral tissues by way of the superior and inferior vena cava and from the heart muscle by way of the coronary sinus. It is important that the nurse be knowledgeable about cardiac output in order to: Evaluate blood flow to peripheral tissues. Determine the electrical activity of the myocardium.

Provide information on the immediate need for oxygen. Implement nutritional changes. - Answer Evaluate blood flow to peripheral tissues. Rationale: Blood flow to the tissues is measured clinically as the cardiac output, and assists to predict tissue perfusion. Electrical activity is evaluated more effectively by EKG. While the cardiac output is important for perfusion and oxygenation of tissues, the oxygen saturation would provide more valuable information. Nutritional changes would be targeted to sodium and would depend on symptoms of disease. Integrated Process: Nursing Process; Planning Cognitive Level: Evaluation NCLEX-RN Test Plan: Health Promotion and Maintenance Nurses can best help older clients prevent hypertension by teaching: Low-fat, low-cholesterol diets. The importance of exercise. How to handle stressful situations. How to maintain a normal blood pressure. - Answer How to maintain a normal blood pressure. Rationale: Hypertension is a major risk factor for other cardiovascular conditions. In persons older than 50, systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mm Hg is a much more important cardiovascular disease risk factor than is diastolic blood pressure. The risk of cardiovascular disease, beginning at 115/75 mm Hg, doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. Answers 1, 2, and 3 are important elements to include in education of a patient with blood pressure elevation, and are included in the Answer. Modification of lifestyle behaviors to help manage hypertension does not include which of the following? (Select all that apply.) Weight loss of even 10 pounds The DASH diet Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains Alcohol intake with meals - Answer Alcohol intake with meals \

Rationale: Weight loss of even 10 pounds; fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; the DASH diet; and a daily exercise regimen will help reduce high blood pressure. Alcohol intake with meals should be reduced to help manage high blood pressure. A patient receiving the drug simvastatin (Zocor) should be taught this medication helps to prevent coronary heart disease by: Increasing lower-density lipoprotein. Controlling lower-density lipoprotein. Increasing triglycerides. Increasing very low-density lipoprotein. - Answer Controlling lower-density lipoprotein. Rationale: The Heart Protective Study has also shown that controlling low- density lipoprotein (LDL) with simvastatin (Zocor) assists in the prevention of coronary heart disease by raising HDL. Responses 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect. Which of the following are direct causes of chronic ischemic pain? (Select all that apply.) Aortic stenosis Acid reflux Pulmonary embolus Herpes zoster (shingles) - Answer Aortic stenosis Acid reflux Pulmonary embolus Rationale: Herpes zoster (shingles) manifests as a vesicular rash along a dermatome, not chronic ischemic pain. Integrated Process: Nursing Process; Evaluation Cognitive Level: Evaluation NCLEX-RN Test Plan: Physiological Integrity; Physiological Adaptation Rationale: Herpes zoster (shingles) manifests as a vesicular rash along a dermatome, not chronic ischemic pain. Older clients experiencing anginal pain with complaints of fatigue or weakness usually are medicated with which of the following types of medication?

Sublingual nitroglycerin Cardiac glycosides HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors Morphine sulfate - Answer Sublingual nitroglycerin Rationale: Angina frequently is managed with sublingual nitroglycerin, which causes vasodilation and increases blood flow to the coronary arteries. Cardiac glycosides are used to treat heart failure, and morphine is used to treat myocardial infarction. The HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are used for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following diagnostic studies most likely would confirm a myocardial infarction? Serum myoglobin level Creatinine kinase (CK) White blood cell count (WBC) Troponin T levels - Answer Troponin T levels Rationale: CK-MB elevates 4-6 hours after tissue necrosis. Troponin levels rise 6-8 hours after the infarct (tissue necrosis) but also can occur with other types of tissue damage. Myoglobin also elevates, but to a lesser degree. WBC levels elevate with an inflammatory response. Troponin levels are more elevated than are the other cardiac enzymes, are more specific to cardiac tissue, and rise 6-8 hours after the infarct (tissue necrosis). A client with post-myocardial infarction develops acute bacterial pericarditis. Which of the following medications would the physician most likely prescribe as the primary drug? Ticarcillin disodium (Ticar) Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Ibuprofen (Motrin) Trioxsalen (Trisoralen) - Answer Ticarcillin disodium (Ticar) Rationale: Acute bacterial pericarditis is a complication that can occur post- myocardial infarction. Acute bacterial pericarditis usually requires antibiotics. NSAIDs usually are prescribed to relieve pain from the inflammatory process. If the NSAIDs do not relieve pain within 48 to 96 hours, corticosteroids are ordered. There is no mention of pain in the stem

of the question. Trisoralen is used to repigment skin for persons with vitiligo. Which of the following diagnostic tests is preferred for evaluating heart valve function? Chest x-ray Duplex Doppler Echocardiogram Electrocardiogram - Answer Echocardiogram Rationale: The echocardiogram is the preferred test to evaluate heart valves, because it allows the visualization of the valves as they open and close. A chest x-ray will determine the size of the heart, the duplex measures blood flow through major arteries, and an electrocardiogram identifies electrical activity. An elderly client is being monitored for evidence of congestive heart failure. To detect early signs of heart failure, the nurse would instruct the certified nursing attendant (CNA) to do which of the following during care of the patient? Observe electrocardiogram readings and report deviations to the nurse. Assist the client with ambulation three times during the shift. Monitor vital signs every 15 minutes and report each reading to the nurse. Accurately weigh the patient, and report and record the readings. - Answer Accurately weigh the patient, and report and record the readings. Rationale: Due to fluid accumulation, an expanded blood volume can result when the heart fails. Body weight is a sensitive indicator of water and sodium retention, which will manifest itself with edema, dyspnea - especially nocturnal - and pedal edema. Patients also should be instructed about the need to perform daily weights upon discharge to monitor body water. It is not within the role of the CNA to monitor ECG readings, and ambulation is not an assessment. Vital signs every 15 minute are not necessary for this level of patient care. Which of the following drug classifications should the nurse question if prescribed for a person with congested heart failure (CHF)? Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor

Beta-adrenergic blocker Alpha adrenergic antagonist Rosiglitazone (Avandia) - Answer Rosiglitazone (Avandia) Answer : Thiazolidinediones, like rosiglitazone (Avandia), are glucose- reducing drugs that are prescribed for persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ACE inhibitors, such as Lisinopril, are first-line drugs used to treat CHF. Propranolol (Inderal), a beta blocker, has remained one of the most widely used beta-blocking drugs. It blocks both beta1 and beta2 receptors in various organs, resulting in reduction of heart rate and the force of contraction, and suppresses impulse conduction through the AV node, all of which slows the progression of the disease process. Carvedilol (Coreg) is another beta-adrenergic blocker used to treat heart failure. A common arrhythmia found in some older clients is chronic atrial fibrillation. Based on the nurse's knowledge of the disease pathology, which of the following prescriptions should the nurse expect to be ordered? Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) Warfarin sodium (Coumadin) Simvastatin (Zocor) Vinorelbine tartrate (Navelbine) - Answer Warfarin sodium (Coumadin) Rationale: Chronic atrial fibrillation places a patient at high risk for clot formation. Warfarin sodium frequently is ordered as an anti-coagulant. Aspirin will not prevent clots associated with atrial fibrillation. Zocor is used to lower LDL and increase HDL. Navelbine is an anti-neoplastic. Which of the following assessments would be an important finding for a patient with arterial disease? Intermittent claudication with exercise Brownish discoloration around the ankles Non-pitting edema on the lower extremities Altered sensation to touch - Answer Intermittent claudication with exercise Rationale: Intermittent claudication is a common finding in persons with arterial disease, usually due to progression of atherosclerosis and alteration of tissue perfusion to the extremities. In venous disease, valves of the veins in the extremities become incompetent, resulting in higher pressures than normal in the veins. The pressure is transmitted to the

capillaries of the lower extremities, resulting in thickening and non-pitting edema of tissues around the ankles. Prolonged thickening results in the red blood cells' being pressed outside the capillaries. The cells eventually break down, resulting in collection of hemosiderin deposits being collected in the area. Altered sensation to touch would be due to neuropathic changes commonly found with diabetes mellitus.

1. A client is scheduled for a cardiac catherization using a radiopaque dye. Which of the following assessments is most critical before the procedure? Intake and output Baseline peripheral pulse rates Height and weight Allergy to iodine or shellfish - Answer 4. This procedure requires an informed consent because it involves injection of a radiopaque dye into the blood vessel. The risk of allergic reaction and possible anaphylaxis is serious and must be assessed before the procedure.
2. A client with no history of cardiovascular disease comes into the ambulatory clinic with flulike symptoms. The client suddenly complains of chest pain. Which of the following questions would best help a nurse to discriminate pain caused by a non-cardiac problem? "Have you ever had this pain before?" "Can you describe the pain to me?" "Does the pain get worse when you breathe in?" "Can you rate the pain on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the worst?" - Answer 3. Chest pain is assessed by using the standard pain assessment parameters. Options 1, 2, and 4 may or may not help discriminate the origin of pain. Pain of pleuropulmonary origin usually worsens on inspiration.
3. A client with myocardial infarction has been transferred from a coronary care unit to a general medical unit with cardiac monitoring via telemetry. A nurse plans to allow for which of the following client activities? Strict bed rest for 24 hours after transfer Bathroom privileges and self-care activities Unsupervised hallway ambulation with distances under 200 feet

Ad lib activities because the client is monitored. - Answer 2. On transfer from the CCU, the client is allowed self-care activities and bathroom privileges. Supervised ambulation for brief distances are encouraged, with distances gradually increased (50, 100, 200 feet).

4. A nurse notes 2+ bilateral edema in the lower extremities of a client with myocardial infarction who was admitted 2 days ago. The nurse would plan to do which of the following next? Review the intake and output records for the last 2 days Change the time of diuretic administration from morning to evening Request a sodium restriction of 1 g/day from the physician. Order daily weights starting the following morning. - Answer 1. Edema, the accumulation of excess fluid in the interstitial spaces, can be measured by intake greater than output and by a sudden increase in weight. Diuretics should be given in the morning whenever possible to avoid nocturia. Strict sodium restrictions are reserved for clients with severe symptoms.
5. A client is wearing a continuous cardiac monitor, which begins to sound its alarm. A nurse sees no electrocardiogram complexes on the screen. The first action of the nurse is to: Check the client status and lead placement Press the recorder button on the electrocardiogram console. Call the physician Call a code blue - Answer 1. Sudden loss of electrocardiogram complexes indicates ventricular asystole or possible electrode displacement. Accurate assessment of the client and equipment is necessary to determine the cause and identify the appropriate intervention.
6. A nurse is assessing the blood pressure of a client diagnosed with primary hypertension. The nurse ensures accurate measurement by avoiding which of the following? Seating the client with arm bared, supported, and at heart level. Measuring the blood pressure after the client has been seated quietly for 5 minutes. Using a cuff with a rubber bladder that encircles at least 80% of the limb.

Taking a blood pressure within 15 minutes after nicotine or caffeine ingestion. - Answer 4. BP should be taken with the client seated with the arm bared, positioned with support and at heart level. The client should sit with the legs on the floor, feet uncrossed, and not speak during the recording. The client should not have smoked tobacco or taken in caffeine in the 30 minutes preceding the measurement. The client should rest quietly for 5 minutes before the reading is taken. The cuff bladder should encircle at least 80% of the limb being measured. Gauges other than a mercury sphygmomanometer should be calibrated every 6 months to ensure accuracy.

7. IV heparin therapy is ordered for a client. While implementing this order, a nurse ensures that which of the following medications is available on the nursing unit? Vitamin K Aminocaporic acid Potassium chloride Protamine sulfate - Answer 4. The antidote to heparin is protamine sulfate and should be readily available for use if excessive bleeding or hemorrhage should occur. Vitamin K is an antidote for warfarin.
8. A client is at risk for pulmonary embolism and is on anticoagulant therapy with warfarin (Coumadin). The client's prothrombin time is 20 seconds, with a control of 11 seconds. The nurse assesses that this result is: The same as the client's own baseline level Lower than the needed therapeutic level Within the therapeutic range Higher than the therapeutic range - Answer 3. The therapeutic range for prothrombin time is 1.5 to 2 times the control for clients at risk for thrombus. Based on the client's control value, the therapeutic range for this individual would be 16.5 to 22 seconds. Therefore the result is within therapeutic range.
9. A client who has been receiving heparin therapy also is started on warfarin. The client asks a nurse why both medications are being

administered. In formulating a response, the nurse incorporates the understanding that warfarin: Stimulates the breakdown of specific clotting factors by the liver, and it takes 2-3 days for this to exert an anticoagulant effect. Inhibits synthesis of specific clotting factors in the liver, and it takes 3- days for this medication to exert an anticoagulant effect. Stimulates production of the body's own thrombolytic substances, but it takes 2-4 days for this to begin. Has the same mechanism of action as Heparin, and the crossover time is needed for the serum level of warfarin to be therapeutic. - Answer 2. Warfarin works in the liver and inhibits synthesis of four vitamin K- dependent clotting factors (X, IX, VII, and II), but it takes 3 to 4 days before the therapeutic effect of warfarin is exhibited.

10. A 60-year-old male client comes into the emergency department with complaints of crushing chest pain that radiates to his shoulder and left arm. The admitting diagnosis is acute myocardial infarction. Immediate admission orders include oxygen by NC at 4L/minute, blood work, chest x- ray, an ECG, and 2mg of morphine given intravenously. The nurse should first: Administer the morphine Obtain a 12-lead ECG Obtain the lab work Order the chest x-ray - Answer 1. Although obtaining the ECG, chest x-ray, and blood work are all important, the nurse's priority action would be to relieve the crushing chest pain.
11. When administered a thrombolytic drug to the client experiencing an MI, the nurse explains to him that the purpose of this drug is to: Help keep him well hydrated Dissolve clots he may have Prevent kidney failure Treat potential cardiac arrhythmias. - Answer 2. Thrombolytic drugs are administered within the first 6 hours after onset of a MI to lyse clots and reduce the extent of myocardial damage.

12. When interpreting an ECG, the nurse would keep in mind which of the following about the P wave? Select all that apply. Reflects electrical impulse beginning at the SA node Indicated electrical impulse beginning at the AV node Reflects atrial muscle depolarization Identifies ventricular muscle depolarization Has duration of normally 0.11 seconds or less. - Answer 1, 3, 5. In a client who has had an ECG, the P wave represents the activation of the electrical impulse in the SA node, which is then transmitted to the AV node. In addition, the P wave represents atrial muscle depolarization, not ventricular depolarization. The normal duration of the P wave is 0. seconds or less in duration and 2.5 mm or more in height.
13. A client has driven himself to the ER. He is 50 years old, has a history of hypertension, and informs the nurse that his father died of a heart attack at 60 years of age. The client is presently complaining of indigestion. The nurse connects him to an ECG monitor and begins administering oxygen at 2 L/minute per NC. The nurse's next action would be to: Call for the doctor Start an intravenous line Obtain a portable chest radiograph Draw blood for laboratory studies - Answer 2. Advanced cardiac life support recommends that at least one or two intravenous lines be inserted in one or both of the antecubital spaces. Calling the physician, obtaining a portable chest radiograph, and drawing blood are important but secondary to starting the intravenous line.
14. The nurse receives emergency laboratory results for a client with chest pain and immediately informs the physician. An increased myoglobin level suggests which of the following? Cancer Hypertension Liver disease Myocardial infarction - Answer 4. Detection of myoglobin is one diagnostic tool to determine whether myocardial damage has occurred. Myoglobin is generally detected about

one hour after a heart attack is experienced and peaks within 4 to 6 hours after infarction (Remember, less than 90 mg/L is normal).

15. When teaching a client about propranolol hydrochloride, the nurse should base the information on the knowledge that propranolol hydrochloride: Blocks beta-adrenergic stimulation and thus causes decreased heart rate, myocardial contractility, and conduction. Increases norepinephrine secretion and thus decreases blood pressure and heart rate. Is a potent arterial and venous vasodilator that reduces peripheral vascular resistance and lowers blood pressure. Is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor that reduces blood pressure by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. - Answer 1. Propranolol hydrochloride is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent. Actions of propranolol hydrochloride include reducing heart rate, decreasing myocardial contractility, and slowing conduction.
16. The most important long-term goal for a client with hypertension would be to: Learn how to avoid stress Explore a job change or early retirement Make a commitment to long-term therapy Control high blood pressure - Answer 3. Compliance is the most critical element of hypertensive therapy. In most cases, hypertensive clients require lifelong treatment and their hypertension cannot be managed successfully without drug therapy. Stress management and weight management are important components of hypertension therapy, but the priority goal is related to compliance.
17. Hypertension is known as the silent killer. This phrase is associated with the fact that hypertension often goes undetected until symptoms of other system failures occur. This may occur in the form of: Cerebrovascular accident Liver disease Myocardial infarction Pulmonary disease - Answer 1.

Hypertension is referred to as the silent killer for adults, because until the adult has significant damage to other systems, the hypertension may go undetected. CVA's can be related to long-term hypertension. Liver or pulmonary disease is generally not associated with hypertension. Myocardial infarction is generally related to coronary artery disease.

18. During the previous few months, a 56-year-old woman felt brief twinges of chest pain while working in her garden and has had frequent episodes of indigestion. She comes to the hospital after experiencing severe anterior chest pain while raking leaves. Her evaluation confirms a diagnosis of stable angina pectoris. After stabilization and treatment, the client is discharged from the hospital. At her follow-up appointment, she is discouraged because she is experiencing pain with increasing frequency. She states that she is visiting an invalid friend twice a week and now cannot walk up the second flight of steps to the friend's apartment without pain. Which of the following measures that the nurse could suggest would most likely help the client deal with this problem? Visit her friend earlier in the day. Rest for at least an hour before climbing the stairs. Take a nitroglycerin tablet before climbing the stairs. - Answer 3. Nitroglycerin may be used prophylactically before stressful physical activities such as stair climbing to help the client remain pain free. Visiting her friend early in the day would have no impact on decreasing pain episodes. Resting before or after an activity is not as likely to help prevent an activity-related pain episode.
19. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse teach the client with unstable angina to report immediately to her physician? A change in the pattern of her pain Pain during sex Pain during an argument with her husband Pain during or after an activity such as lawnmowing - Answer 1. The client should report a change in the pattern of chest pain. It may indicate increasing severity of CAD.
20. The physician refers the client with unstable angina for a cardiac catherization. The nurse explains to the client that this procedure is being used in this specific case to:

Open and dilate the blocked coronary arteries Assess the extent of arterial blockage Bypass obstructed vessels Assess the functional adequacy of the valves and heart muscle. - Answer

Cardiac catherization is done in clients with angina primarily to assess the extent and severity of the coronary artery blockage, A decision about medical management, angioplasty, or coronary artery bypass surgery will be based on the catherization results.

21. As an initial step in treating a client with angina, the physician prescribes nitroglycerin tablets, 0.3mg given sublingually. This drug's principle effects are produced by: Antispasmotic effect on the pericardium Causing an increased mycocardial oxygen demand Vasodilation of peripheral vasculature Improved conductivity in the myocardium - Answer 3. Nitroglycerin produces peripheral vasodilation, which reduces myocardial oxygen consumption and demand. Vasodilation in coronary arteries and collateral vessels may also increase blood flow to the ischemic areas of the heart. Nitroglycerin decreases myocardial oxygen demand. Nitroglycerin does not have an effect on pericardial spasticity or conductivity in the myocardium.
22. The nurse teaches the client with angina about the common expected side effects of nitroglycerin, including: Headache High blood pressure Shortness of breath Stomach cramps - Answer 1. Because of the widespread vasodilating effects, nitroglycerin often produces such side effects as headache, hypotension, and dizziness. The client should lie or sit down to avoid fainting. Nitro does not cause shortness of breath or stomach cramps.
23. Sublingual nitroglycerin tablets begin to work within 1 to 2 minutes. How should the nurse instruct the client to use the drug when chest pain occurs?

Take one tablet every 2 to 5 minutes until the pain stops. Take one tablet and rest for 10 minutes. Call the physician if pain persists after 10 minutes. Take one tablet, then an additional tablet every 5 minutes for a total of 3 tablets. Call the physician if pain persists after three tablets. Take one tablet. If pain persists after 5 minutes, take two tablets. If pain still persists 5 minutes later, call the physician. - Answer 3. The correct protocol for nitroglycerin used involves immediate administration, with subsequent doses taken at 5-minute intervals as needed, for a total dose of 3 tablets. Sublingual nitroglycerin appears in the blood stream within 2 to 3 minutes and is metabolized within about 10 minutes.

24. Which of the following arteries primarily feeds the anterior wall of the heart? Circumflex artery Internal mammary artery Left anterior descending artery Right coronary artery - Answer 3. The left anterior descending artery is the primary source of blood flow for the anterior wall of the heart. The circumflex artery supplies the lateral wall, the internal mammary supplies the mammary, and the right coronary artery supplies the inferior wall of the heart.
25. When do coronary arteries primarily receive blood flow? During inspiration During diastolic During expiration During systole - Answer 2. Although the coronary arteries may receive a minute portion of blood during systole, most of the blood flow to coronary arteries is supplied during diastole. Breathing patterns are irrelevant to blood flow.
26. Prolonged occlusion of the right coronary artery produces an infarction in which of the following areas of the heart? Anterior

Apical Inferior Lateral - Answer 3. The right coronary artery supplies the right ventricle, or the inferior portion of the heart. Therefore, prolonged occlusion could produce an infarction in that area. The right coronary artery doesn't supply the anterior portion (left ventricle), lateral portion (some of the left ventricle and the left atrium), or the apical portion (left ventricle) of the heart.

27. A murmur is heard at the second left intercostal space along the left sternal border. Which valve is this? Aortic Mitral Pulmonic Tricupsid - Answer 3. Abnormalities of the pulmonic valve are auscultated at the second left intercostal space along the left sternal border. Aortic valve abnormalities are heard at the second intercostal space, to the right of the sternum. Mitral valve abnormalities are heard at the fifth intercostal space in the midclavicular line. Tricupsid valve abnormalities are heard at the 3rd and 4th intercostal spaces along the sternal border.
28. Which of the following blood tests is most indicative of cardiac damage? Lactate dehydrogenase Complete blood count (CBC) Troponin I Creatine kinase (CK) - Answer 3. Troponin I levels rise rapidly and are detectable within 1 hour of myocardial injury. Troponin levels aren't detectable in people without cardiac injury.
29. Which of the following diagnostic tools is most commonly used to determine the location of myocardial damage? Cardiac catherization Cardiac enzymes Echocardiogram Electrocardiogram (ECG) - Answer 4.

The ECG is the quickest, most accurate, and most widely used tool to determine the location of myocardial infarction. Cardiac enzymes are used to diagnose MI but can't determine the location. An echocardiogram is used most widely to view myocardial wall function after an MI has been diagnosed. Cardiac catherization is an invasive study for determining coronary artery disease and may also indicate the location of myocardial damage, but the study may not be performed immediately.

30. Which of the following types of pain is most characteristic of angina? Knifelike Sharp Shooting Tightness - Answer 4. The pain of angina usually ranges from a vague feeling of tightness to heavy, intense pain. Pain impulses originate in the most visceral muscles and may move to such areas as the chest, neck, and arms.
31. Which of the following parameters is the major determinate of diastolic blood pressure? Baroreceptors Cardiac output Renal function Vascular resistance - Answer 4. Vascular resistance is the impedance of blood flow by the arterioles that most predominantly affects the diastolic pressure. Cardiac output determines systolic blood pressure.
32. Which of the following factors can cause blood pressure to drop to normal levels? Kidneys' excretion of sodium only Kidneys' retention of sodium and water Kidneys' excretion of sodium and water Kidneys' retention of sodium and excretion of water - Answer 3. The kidneys respond to a rise in blood pressure by excreting sodium and excess water. This response ultimately affects systolic pressure by regulating blood volume.

33. Baroreceptors in the carotid artery walls and aorta respond to which of the following conditions? Changes in blood pressure Changes in arterial oxygen tension Changes in arterial carbon dioxide tension Changes in heart rate - Answer 1. Baroreceptors located in the carotid arteries and aorta sense pulsatile pressure. Decreases in pulsatile pressure cause a reflex increase in heart rate. Chemoreceptors in the medulla are primarily stimulated by carbon dioxide. Peripheral chemoreceptors in the aorta and carotid arteries are primarily stimulated by oxygen.
34. Which of the following terms describes the force against which the ventricle must expel blood? Afterload Cardiac output Overload Preload - Answer 1. Afterload refers to the resistance normally maintained by the aortic and pulmonic valves, the condition and tone of the aorta, and the resistance offered by the systemic and pulmonary arterioles. Cardiac output is the amount of blood expelled from the heart per minute. Overload refers to an abundance of circulating volume. Preload is the volume of blood in the ventricle at the end of diastole.
35. Which of the following terms is used to describe the amount of stretch on the myocardium at the end of diastole? Afterload Cardiac index Cardiac output Preload - Answer 4. Preload is the amount of stretch of the cardiac muscle fibers at the end of diastole. The volume of blood in the ventricle at the end of diastole determines the preload. Afterload is the force against which the ventricle must expel blood. Cardiac index is the individualized measurement of cardiac output, based on the client's body surface area. Cardiac output is the amount of blood the heart is expelling per minute.

36. A 57-year-old client with a history of asthma is prescribed propanolol (Inderal) to control hypertension. Before administered propranolol, which of the following actions should the nurse take first? Monitor the apical pulse rate Instruct the client to take medication with food Question the physician about the order Caution the client to rise slowly when standing. - Answer 3. Propranolol and other beta-adrenergic blockers are contraindicated in a client with asthma, so the nurse should question the physician before giving the dose. The other responses are appropriate actions for a client receiving propranolol, but questioning the physician takes priority. The client's apical pulse should always be checked before giving propranolol; if the pulse rate is extremely low, the nurse should withhold the drug and notify the physician.
37. One hour after administering IV furosemide (Lasix) to a client with heart failure, a short burst of ventricular tachycardia appears on the cardiac monitor. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse suspect? Hypocalcemia Hypermagnesemia Hypokalemia Hypernatremia - Answer 3. Furosemide is a potassium-depleting diuretic than can cause hypokalemia. In turn, hypokalemia increases myocardial excitability, leading to ventricular tachycardia.
38. A client is receiving spironolactone to treat hypertension. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide? "Eat foods high in potassium." "Take daily potassium supplements." "Discontinue sodium restrictions." "Avoid salt substitutes." - Answer 4. Because spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, the client should avoid salt substitutes because of their high potassium content. The client

should also avoid potassium-rich foods and potassium supplements. To reduce fluid-volume overload, sodium restrictions should continue.

39. When assessing an ECG, the nurse knows that the P-R interval represents the time it takes for the: Impulse to begin atrial contraction Impulse to transverse the atria to the AV node SA node to discharge the impulse to begin atrial depolarization Impulse to travel to the ventricles - Answer 4. The P-R interval is measured on the ECG strip from the beginning of the P wave to the beginning of the QRS complex. It is the time it takes for the impulse to travel to the ventricle.
40. Following a treadmill test and cardiac catheterization, the client is found to have coronary artery disease, which is inoperative. He is referred to the cardiac rehabilitation unit. During his first visit to the unit he says that he doesn't understand why he needs to be there because there is nothing that can be done to make him better. The best nursing response is: "Cardiac rehabilitation is not a cure but can help restore you to many of your former activities." "Here we teach you to gradually change your lifestyle to accommodate your heart disease." "You are probably right but we can gradually increase your activities so that you can live a more active life." "Do you feel that you will have to make some changes in your life now?" - Answer 1. Such a response does not have false hope to the client but is positive and realistic. The answer tells the client what cardiac rehabilitation is and does not dwell upon his negativity about it.
41. To evaluate a client's condition following cardiac catheterization, the nurse will palpate the pulse: In all extremities At the insertion site Distal to the catheter insertion Above the catheter insertion - Answer 3.

Palpating pulses distal to the insertion site is important to evaluate for thrombophlebitis and vessel occlusion. They should be bilateral and strong.

42. A client's physician orders nuclear cardiography and makes an appointment for a thallium scan. The purpose of injecting radioisotope into the bloodstream is to detect: Normal vs. abnormal tissue Damage in areas of the heart Ventricular function Myocardial scarring and perfusion - Answer 4. This scan detects myocardial damage and perfusion, an acute or chronic MI. It is a more specific answer than (1) or (2). Specific ventricular function is tested by a gated cardiac blood pool scan.
43. A client enters the ER complaining of severe chest pain. A myocardial infarction is suspected. A 12 lead ECG appears normal, but the doctor admits the client for further testing until cardiac enzyme studies are returned. All of the following will be included in the nursing care plan. Which activity has the highest priority? Monitoring vital signs Completing a physical assessment Maintaining cardiac monitoring Maintaining at least one IV access site - Answer 3. Even though initial tests seem to be within normal range, it takes at least 3 hours for the cardiac enzyme studies to register. In the meantime, the client needs to be watched for bradycardia, heart block, ventricular irritability, and other arrhythmias. Other activities can be accomplished around the MI monitoring.
44. A client is experiencing tachycardia. The nurse's understanding of the physiological basis for this symptom is explained by which of the following statements? The demand for oxygen is decreased because of pleural involvement The inflammatory process causes the body to demand more oxygen to meet its needs. The heart has to pump faster to meet the demand for oxygen when there is lowered arterial oxygen tension.

Respirations are labored. - Answer 3. The arterial oxygen supply is lowered and the demand for oxygen is increased, which results in the heart's having to beat faster to meet the body's needs for oxygen. .

45. A client enters the ER complaining of chest pressure and severe epigastric distress. His VS are 158/90, 94, 24, and 99*F. The doctor orders cardiac enzymes. If the client were diagnosed with an MI, the nurse would expect which cardiac enzyme to rise within the next 3 to 8 hours? Creatine kinase (CK or CPK) Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) LDH-1 LDH-2 - Answer 1. Creatine kinase (CK, formally known as CPK) rises in 3-8 hours if an MI is present. When the myocardium is damaged, CPK leaks out of the cell membranes and into the blood stream. Lactic dehydrogenase rises in 24- 48 hours, and LDH-1 and LDH-2 rises in 8-24 hours.
46. A 45-year-old male client with leg ulcers and arterial insufficiency is admitted to the hospital. The nurse understands that leg ulcers of this nature are usually caused by: Decreased arterial blood flow secondary to vasoconstriction Decreased arterial blood flow leading to hyperemia Atherosclerotic obstruction of the arteries Trauma to the lower extremities - Answer 1. Decreased arterial flow is a result of vasospasm. The etiology is unknown. It is more problematic in colder climates or when the person is under stress. Hyperemia occurs when the vasospasm is relieved.
47. Which of the following instructions should be included in the discharge teaching for a patient discharged with a transdermal nitroglycerin patch? "Apply the patch to a nonhairy, nonfatty area of the upper torso or arms." "Apply the patch to the same site each day to maintain consistent drug absorption." "If you get a headache, remove the patch for 4 hours and then reapply."

"If you get chest pain, apply a second patch right next to the first patch." - Answer 1. A nitroglycerin patch should be applied to a nonhairy, nonfatty area for the best and most consistent absorption rates. Sites should be rotated to prevent skin irritation, and the drug should be continued if headache occurs because tolerance will develop. Sublingual nitroglycerin should be used to treat chest pain.

48. In order to prevent the development of tolerance, the nurse instructs the patient to: Apply the nitroglycerin patch every other day Switch to sublingual nitroglycerin when the patient's systolic blood pressure elevates to >140 mm Hg Apply the nitroglycerin patch for 14 hours each and remove for 10 hours at night Use the nitroglycerin patch for acute episodes of angina only - Answer 3. Tolerance can be prevented by maintaining an 8- to 12-hour nitrate-free period each day.
49. Direct-acting vasodilators have which of the following effects on the heart rate? Heart rate decreases Heart rate remains significantly unchanged Heart rate increases Heart rate becomes irregular - Answer 3. Heart rate increases in response to decreased blood pressure caused by vasodilation.
50. When teaching a patient why spironolactone (Aldactone) and furosemide (Lasix) are prescribed together, the nurse bases teaching on the knowledge that: Moderate doses of two different types of diuretics are more effective than a large dose of one type This combination promotes diuresis but decreases the risk of hypokalemia This combination prevents dehydration and hypovolemia Using two drugs increases osmolality of plasma and the glomerular filtration rate - Answer 2.

Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic; furosemide is a potassium- loosing diuretic. Giving these together minimizes electrolyte imbalance A patient with a tricuspid valve disorder will have impaired blood flow between the A. vena cava and right atrium. B. left atrium and left ventricle. C. right atrium and right ventricle. D. right ventricle and pulmonary artery. - Answer C. right atrium and right ventricle. A patient with an MI of the anterior wall of the left ventricle most likely has an occlusion of then A. right marginal artery. B. left circumflex artery. C. left anterior descending artery. D. right anterior descending artery. - Answer C. left anterior descending artery. Progress If the Purkinje system is damaged, conduction of the electrical impulse is impaired through the A. atria. B. AV node. C. ventricles. D. bundle of His. - Answer C. ventricles. Prolonged pressure on the skin causes reddened areas at the point of contact due to A. arterial vasodilation from smooth muscle relaxation. B. compression of veins resulting in venous engorgement. C. occlusion of major arteries causing infarction of the tissue. D. tissue damage and inflammation resulting from impaired capillary blood flow. - Answer D

When a person's blood pressure rises, the homeostatic mechanism to compensate for an elevation involves stimulation of A. chemoreceptors that inhibit the sympathetic nervous system, causing vasodilation. B. baroreceptors that inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system, causing vasodilation. C. baroreceptors that inhibit the sympathetic nervous system, causing a decreased heart rate. D. chemoreceptors that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, causing an increased heart rate. - Answer C. baroreceptors that inhibit the sympathetic nervous system, causing a decreased heart rate. When checking the capillary filling time of a patient, the color returns in 10 seconds. The nurse recognizes this finding as indicative of A. a normal response. B. thrombus formation in the veins. C. lymphatic obstruction of venous return. D. impaired arterial flow to the extremities. - Answer D. impaired arterial flow to the extremities. The auscultatory area in the left midclavicular line at the level of the fifth ICS is the A. aortic area. B. mitral area. C. tricuspid area. D. pulmonic area. - Answer B. mitral area. When assessing the patient, the nurse notes a palpable precordial thrill. This finding may be caused by A. heart murmurs. B. gallop rhythms. C. pulmonary edema. D. right ventricular hypertrophy. - Answer A. heart murmurs. When assessing the cardiovascular system of a 79-year-old patient, the nurse expects to find