Nclex Cardiovascular Questions & Answers

The nurse is teaching the client with angina pectoris about disease management and lifestyle changes that are necessary in order to control disease progression. Which statements by the client indicate a need for further teaching? Select all that apply. - ANSWERS"I am going to switch to electronic cigarettes." "It is best to exercise once a week for an hour." A client being seen in the emergency department for complaints of chest pain confides in the nurse about regular use of cocaine as a recreational drug. The nurse takes which important action in delivering holistic nursing care to this client? - ANSWERSTeaches about the effects of cocaine on the heart and offers referral for further help The nurse is caring for a client with coronary artery disease, and a topical nitrate is prescribed for the client. Why is acetaminophen usually prescribed to be taken before the administration of the topical nitrate? - ANSWERSHeadache is a common side effect of nitrates. The nurse is collecting data on a client with a diagnosis of right-sided heart failure. The nurse should expect to note which specific characteristic of this condition? - ANSWERSDependent edema The health care provider is discharging a client with a diagnosis of chronic heart failure. Which health maintenance instructions should the nurse reinforce in the discharge teaching plan? Select all that apply. - ANSWERSObtain annual influenza vaccination. Avoid adding salt to foods or in cooking. Report a weight gain of 3 or more pounds in a week A client has just returned from the cardiac catheterization laboratory. The left femoral vessel was used as the access site. After returning the client to bed and conducting an initial assessment, the nurse assisting in caring for the client expects the cardiologist to write a prescription for the client to remain on bed rest. In which position should the bed be positioned? - ANSWERSWith the head of bed elevated no more than 30 degrees A client diagnosed with thrombophlebitis 1 day ago suddenly complains of chest pain and shortness of breath, and the client is visibly anxious. Which is a life-threatening complication that could be occurring? - ANSWERSPulmonary embolism About which laboratory values should the nurse be immediately concerned because they could cause cardiac arrest? Select all that apply. - ANSWERSCalcium 7.9 mg/L Potassium 5.9 mEq/L The nurse is checking the neurovascular status of a client who returned to the surgical nursing unit 4 hours ago, after undergoing an aortoiliac bypass graft. The affected leg is warm, and the nurse notes redness and edema. The pedal pulse is palpable and unchanged from admission. Based on this data, the nurse should make which determination about the client's neurovascular status? - ANSWERSNormal, caused by increased blood flow through the leg When preparing a client for a pericardiocentesis, in which position does the nurse place the client? - ANSWERSSupine with the head of bed elevated at a 45- to 60-degree angle The nurse has completed counseling about smoking cessation with a client with coronary artery disease (CAD). The nurse determines that the client has understood the material best if the client makes which statement? - ANSWERS"A smoker has twice the risk of having a heart attack as a nonsmoker." A client has received instructions about an upcoming cardiac catheterization. The nurse determines that the client has the best understanding of the procedure if the client knows to report which symptoms? - ANSWERSChest pain The clinic nurse is obtaining cardiovascular data on a client. The nurse prepares to check the client's apical pulse and places the stethoscope in which position? - ANSWERSAt the midclavicular line at the fifth left intercostal space A client is admitted with an arterial ischemic leg ulcer. The nurse expects to note that this ulcer has which typical characteristic? - ANSWERSDeep and painful The nurse carries out a standard prescription for a stat electrocardiogram (ECG) on a client who has an episode of chest pain. The nurse should take which action next? - ANSWERSGive sublingual nitroglycerin per the health care provider's prescriptions. The nurse is assisting in caring for a client in the telemetry unit who is receiving an intravenous infusion of 1000 mL 5% dextrose with 40 mEq of potassium chloride. Which occurrence observed on the cardiac monitor indicates the presence of hyperkalemia? - ANSWERSTall, peaked T waves The nurse is caring for a client with a new onset of atrial fibrillation. Which prescribed treatments should the nurse expect? Select all that apply - ANSWERSDigoxin Warfarin Electrical cardioversion The nurse has completed nutritional counseling with an overweight client about weight reduction to modify the risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). The nurse should determine the teaching is successful if the client states that which weight loss goal is safe? - ANSWERSTwo pounds per week The nurse is collecting data on a client with a diagnosis of angina pectoris who takes nitroglycerin for chest pain. During the admission, the client reports chest pain. The nurse immediately asks the client which question? - ANSWERS"Where is the pain located?" The nurse is planning adaptations needed for activities of daily living for a client with cardiac disease. The nurse should incorporate which instruction in discussion with the client? - ANSWERSTake in adequate daily fiber to prevent straining during a bowel movement. The nurse is assisting a client who will wear a Holter monitor for continuous cardiac monitoring over the next 24 hours. The nurse takes which action to assist the client? - ANSWERSGives the client a device holder to wear around the waist The licensed practical nurse (LPN) is assisting in caring for a client with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). The client is experiencing chest pain that is unrelieved by the administration of nitroglycerin. The registered nurse administers morphine sulfate to the client as prescribed by the health care provider. Following administration of the morphine sulfate, the LPN plans to monitor which indicator(s)? - ANSWERSRespirations and blood pressure The nurse is told during shift report that a client is having occasional ventricular dysrhythmias. The nurse reviews the client's laboratory results, recalling that which electrolyte imbalance could be responsible for this development? - ANSWERSHypokalemia The nurse is collecting data from a client with varicose veins. Which finding would the nurse identify as an indication of a potential complication associated with this disorder? - ANSWERSThe client complains of leg edema, and skin breakdown has started. The nurse is caring for a client who is developing pulmonary edema. The client exhibits respiratory distress, but the blood pressure is unchanged from the client's baseline. As an immediate action before help arrives, the nurse should perform which action? - ANSWERSPlace the client in high-Fowler's position. A client with left-sided heart failure has been admitted to the hospital. The nurse is reviewing the medical record and notes which signs and symptoms? Select all that apply. - ANSWERSOrthopnea Sleep apnea Pink frothy sputum An emergency department client who complains of slightly improved but unrelieved chest pain for 2 days is reluctant to take a nitroglycerin sublingual tablet offered by the nurse. The client states, "I don't need that—my dad takes that for his heart. There's nothing wrong with my heart." Which description best describes the client's response? - ANSWERSDenial