NUR 209 Exam 2 (Cardiovascular) Questions Answered Correctly Latest Update 2026/2027
A nurse is assigned to care for a client with a terminal cardiovascular illness. When developing
the client's plan of care, which outcome would the nurse identify as most realistic for this client?
adaptation to living with limitations
maintenance of adequate comfort
acceptance of changes in lifestyle
recovery from the cardiovascular problem - Answers maintenance of adequate comfort
Rationale: The realistic outcome for a client with terminal cardiovascular disease is
maintenance of adequate comfort and acceptance of impending death.Realistic outcomes for
the client with chronic cardiovascular disease focus on helping the client to live within
limitations imposed by the disease and to improve acceptance of changes in lifestyle and self-
concept. Outcomes pertinent to the client who is admitted with an acute problem focus on
recovery from the cardiovascular problem without residual complications.
Prep U
Upon entering a client's room, the client tells the nurse, "I'm having some really strong pain in my
chest." The nurse intervenes immediately, placing the client in which position?
Sitting
Standing upright
Flat with legs raised 20 to 30 degrees
,Supine - Answers Sitting
Explanation:The nurse should make the client comfortable in a sitting position. A supine
position inhibits full chest expansion and limits gas exchange in the lung, so this position should
be avoided. Since the heart works harder in the supine position than in the upright position, the
supine position is not recommended. The hypotensive client is positioned with legs elevated 20
to 30 degrees.
Prep U
Which of the following is a noninvasive procedure assisting the nurse in cardiovascular care?
Electrocardiography
Pulmonary artery monitoring
Swan-Ganz catheterization
Cardiac output determination - Answers Electrocardiography
Explanation:Noninvasive heart monitoring involves electrocardiography and cardiac monitoring.
Invasive techniques, such as pulmonary artery monitoring, Swan-Ganz catheterization, cardiac
output determination, and cardiac support via an intraaortic balloon pump (IABP), typically are
used by trained critical care personnel to provide additional monitoring and support.
Prep U
A nurse is teaching a client with heart disease about exercising and signs of overexertion. The
nurse determines that additional education is needed if the client states:
"I should wait at least an hour after eating before exercising."
, "I need to call the doctor if it feels like my heart is racing."
"I need to start my routine with my warm-up exercises."
"I should stop exercising if my pulse is below my target zone." - Answers "I should stop
exercising if my pulse is below my target zone."
Explanation:For the client, the goal of the exercise program is to achieve the target heart rate.
The client should stop exercising if his pulse rate exceeds his target zone.
Prep U
A nursing instructor is developing a class presentation about reasons people with
cardiovascular problems seek medical care. Which of the following would the instructor include
as the most common reason?
Lower extremity swelling
Persistent cough
Chest pain
Hypertension - Answers Chest pain
Explanation:Although a person with cardiovascular dysfunction may have hypertension, lower
extremity swelling, or cough, pain or discomfort in the chest is the most common reason people
with cardiovascular dysfunction seek medical care.
Prep U
A nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed medication as prophylactic therapy for deep vein
A nurse is assigned to care for a client with a terminal cardiovascular illness. When developing
the client's plan of care, which outcome would the nurse identify as most realistic for this client?
adaptation to living with limitations
maintenance of adequate comfort
acceptance of changes in lifestyle
recovery from the cardiovascular problem - Answers maintenance of adequate comfort
Rationale: The realistic outcome for a client with terminal cardiovascular disease is
maintenance of adequate comfort and acceptance of impending death.Realistic outcomes for
the client with chronic cardiovascular disease focus on helping the client to live within
limitations imposed by the disease and to improve acceptance of changes in lifestyle and self-
concept. Outcomes pertinent to the client who is admitted with an acute problem focus on
recovery from the cardiovascular problem without residual complications.
Prep U
Upon entering a client's room, the client tells the nurse, "I'm having some really strong pain in my
chest." The nurse intervenes immediately, placing the client in which position?
Sitting
Standing upright
Flat with legs raised 20 to 30 degrees
,Supine - Answers Sitting
Explanation:The nurse should make the client comfortable in a sitting position. A supine
position inhibits full chest expansion and limits gas exchange in the lung, so this position should
be avoided. Since the heart works harder in the supine position than in the upright position, the
supine position is not recommended. The hypotensive client is positioned with legs elevated 20
to 30 degrees.
Prep U
Which of the following is a noninvasive procedure assisting the nurse in cardiovascular care?
Electrocardiography
Pulmonary artery monitoring
Swan-Ganz catheterization
Cardiac output determination - Answers Electrocardiography
Explanation:Noninvasive heart monitoring involves electrocardiography and cardiac monitoring.
Invasive techniques, such as pulmonary artery monitoring, Swan-Ganz catheterization, cardiac
output determination, and cardiac support via an intraaortic balloon pump (IABP), typically are
used by trained critical care personnel to provide additional monitoring and support.
Prep U
A nurse is teaching a client with heart disease about exercising and signs of overexertion. The
nurse determines that additional education is needed if the client states:
"I should wait at least an hour after eating before exercising."
, "I need to call the doctor if it feels like my heart is racing."
"I need to start my routine with my warm-up exercises."
"I should stop exercising if my pulse is below my target zone." - Answers "I should stop
exercising if my pulse is below my target zone."
Explanation:For the client, the goal of the exercise program is to achieve the target heart rate.
The client should stop exercising if his pulse rate exceeds his target zone.
Prep U
A nursing instructor is developing a class presentation about reasons people with
cardiovascular problems seek medical care. Which of the following would the instructor include
as the most common reason?
Lower extremity swelling
Persistent cough
Chest pain
Hypertension - Answers Chest pain
Explanation:Although a person with cardiovascular dysfunction may have hypertension, lower
extremity swelling, or cough, pain or discomfort in the chest is the most common reason people
with cardiovascular dysfunction seek medical care.
Prep U
A nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed medication as prophylactic therapy for deep vein
