Med Surg ATI Cardiovascular and
Respiratory Questions and Answers |
Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct &
Verified
What is a priority nursing action for a client experiencing sudden chest pain and shortness of
breath?
✔✔ Apply oxygen and assess vital signs immediately.
Why is it important to elevate the legs in a client with peripheral venous disease?
✔✔ Elevating the legs promotes venous return and reduces swelling.
What assessment finding indicates a client with heart failure is experiencing pulmonary edema?
✔✔ Pink, frothy sputum and crackles in the lungs suggest pulmonary edema.
Why should a nurse encourage incentive spirometry after abdominal surgery?
✔✔ It helps prevent atelectasis and promotes lung expansion.
What is the purpose of pursed-lip breathing in a client with COPD?
1
,✔✔ It prolongs exhalation and prevents airway collapse.
What lab value confirms the diagnosis of a myocardial infarction?
✔✔ Elevated troponin levels indicate myocardial damage.
Why should a nurse immediately report a sudden drop in oxygen saturation in a client with a
chest tube?
✔✔ It may indicate a pneumothorax or tube dislodgement.
What is a late sign of hypoxia that requires urgent intervention?
✔✔ Cyanosis of the lips or fingertips is a late and serious sign of hypoxia.
What is the purpose of giving furosemide to a client with congestive heart failure?
✔✔ It reduces fluid overload and decreases pulmonary congestion.
Why is it important to assess capillary refill in a client with peripheral arterial disease?
✔✔ Delayed refill suggests poor peripheral perfusion.
2
, What is a classic symptom of a client experiencing a pulmonary embolism?
✔✔ Sudden shortness of breath and sharp chest pain on inhalation.
Why should clients with COPD avoid high-flow oxygen therapy?
✔✔ High oxygen can suppress their respiratory drive, leading to hypoventilation.
What should a nurse do if a client’s chest tube drainage becomes bright red and exceeds 100
mL/hr?
✔✔ Notify the provider immediately, as it may indicate active bleeding.
Why are daily weights important for a client with heart failure?
✔✔ They help detect early fluid retention before symptoms worsen.
What is the first nursing action if a client reports new leg swelling and warmth?
✔✔ Assess for signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Why is it important to check for a bruit in a client with atherosclerosis?
✔✔ A bruit suggests turbulent blood flow due to narrowed arteries.
3
Respiratory Questions and Answers |
Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct &
Verified
What is a priority nursing action for a client experiencing sudden chest pain and shortness of
breath?
✔✔ Apply oxygen and assess vital signs immediately.
Why is it important to elevate the legs in a client with peripheral venous disease?
✔✔ Elevating the legs promotes venous return and reduces swelling.
What assessment finding indicates a client with heart failure is experiencing pulmonary edema?
✔✔ Pink, frothy sputum and crackles in the lungs suggest pulmonary edema.
Why should a nurse encourage incentive spirometry after abdominal surgery?
✔✔ It helps prevent atelectasis and promotes lung expansion.
What is the purpose of pursed-lip breathing in a client with COPD?
1
,✔✔ It prolongs exhalation and prevents airway collapse.
What lab value confirms the diagnosis of a myocardial infarction?
✔✔ Elevated troponin levels indicate myocardial damage.
Why should a nurse immediately report a sudden drop in oxygen saturation in a client with a
chest tube?
✔✔ It may indicate a pneumothorax or tube dislodgement.
What is a late sign of hypoxia that requires urgent intervention?
✔✔ Cyanosis of the lips or fingertips is a late and serious sign of hypoxia.
What is the purpose of giving furosemide to a client with congestive heart failure?
✔✔ It reduces fluid overload and decreases pulmonary congestion.
Why is it important to assess capillary refill in a client with peripheral arterial disease?
✔✔ Delayed refill suggests poor peripheral perfusion.
2
, What is a classic symptom of a client experiencing a pulmonary embolism?
✔✔ Sudden shortness of breath and sharp chest pain on inhalation.
Why should clients with COPD avoid high-flow oxygen therapy?
✔✔ High oxygen can suppress their respiratory drive, leading to hypoventilation.
What should a nurse do if a client’s chest tube drainage becomes bright red and exceeds 100
mL/hr?
✔✔ Notify the provider immediately, as it may indicate active bleeding.
Why are daily weights important for a client with heart failure?
✔✔ They help detect early fluid retention before symptoms worsen.
What is the first nursing action if a client reports new leg swelling and warmth?
✔✔ Assess for signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Why is it important to check for a bruit in a client with atherosclerosis?
✔✔ A bruit suggests turbulent blood flow due to narrowed arteries.
3
