CARDIAC NCLEX QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
1) A client is scheduled for a cardiac catherization using a radiopaque dye. Which of the
following assessments is most critical before the procedure?
1.Intake and output
2.Baseline peripheral pulse rates
3.Height and weight
4.Allergy to iodine or shellfish
4. Allergy to iodine or shellfish
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?
1."Have you ever had this pain before?"
2."Can you describe the pain to me?"
3."Does the pain get worse when you breathe in?"
4."Can you rate the pain on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the worst?"
,3."Does the pain get worse when you breathe in?"
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?
1.Strict bed rest for 24 hours after transfer
2.Bathroom privileges and self-care activities
3.Unsupervised hallway ambulation with distances under 200 feet
4.Ad lib activities because the client is monitored.
2. Bathroom privileges and self-care activities
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).
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?
1.Review the intake and output records for the last 2 days
, 2.Change the time of diuretic administration from morning to evening
3.Request a sodium restriction of 1 g/day from the physician.
4.Order daily weights starting the following morning.
1.Review the intake and output records for the last 2 days
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.
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:
1.Check the client status and lead placement
2.Press the recorder button on the electrocardiogram console.
3.Call the physician
4.Call a code blue
1. Check the client status and lead placement
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.
ANSWERS
1) A client is scheduled for a cardiac catherization using a radiopaque dye. Which of the
following assessments is most critical before the procedure?
1.Intake and output
2.Baseline peripheral pulse rates
3.Height and weight
4.Allergy to iodine or shellfish
4. Allergy to iodine or shellfish
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?
1."Have you ever had this pain before?"
2."Can you describe the pain to me?"
3."Does the pain get worse when you breathe in?"
4."Can you rate the pain on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the worst?"
,3."Does the pain get worse when you breathe in?"
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?
1.Strict bed rest for 24 hours after transfer
2.Bathroom privileges and self-care activities
3.Unsupervised hallway ambulation with distances under 200 feet
4.Ad lib activities because the client is monitored.
2. Bathroom privileges and self-care activities
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).
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?
1.Review the intake and output records for the last 2 days
, 2.Change the time of diuretic administration from morning to evening
3.Request a sodium restriction of 1 g/day from the physician.
4.Order daily weights starting the following morning.
1.Review the intake and output records for the last 2 days
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.
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:
1.Check the client status and lead placement
2.Press the recorder button on the electrocardiogram console.
3.Call the physician
4.Call a code blue
1. Check the client status and lead placement
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.
