would be an important instruction for the nurse to give a client who is to undergo a
MUGA scan?
Drink plenty of fluids during the test.
Lie very still at intermittent times during the test.
Avoid dairy products a day before and a day after the test.
Avoid any activity at least 2 hours before the test. - ANSWER Lie very still at intermittent
times during the test.
The nurse observes a client with an onset of heart failure having rapid, shallow
breathing at a rate of 32 breaths/minute. What blood gas analysis does the nurse
anticipate finding initially?
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis - ANSWER Respiratory alkalosis
Which medication is categorized as a loop diuretic?
Chlorthalidone
Chlorothiazide
Furosemide
Spironolactone - ANSWER Furosemide
A client is awaiting the availability of a heart for transplant. What option may be
available to the client as a bridge to transplant?
Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)
Ventricular assist device (VAD)
Pacemaker
Implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) - ANSWER Ventricular assist device (VAD)
The nurse is assessing a client admitted with cardiogenic shock. What medication will
the nurse titrate to improve blood flow to vital organs?
metoprolol
furosemide
dopamine
enalapril - ANSWER dopamine
The nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is receiving cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR). For which reason will the client be prescribed to receive
amiodarone during the resuscitation efforts?
Correct metabolic acidosis.
Treat pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
Reduce the development of torsade de pointes.
Prevent the development of hypotension. - ANSWER Treat pulseless ventricular
tachycardia.
, The nurse is discussing cardiac terms with a client who was doing some reading on the
Internet. What is the correct response for the nurse when the client asks what affects
stroke volume?
Stroke volume depends on kidney and lung functions.
Stroke volume is affected by the electrocardiogram intervals.
Stroke volume is similar to your blood pressure.
Stroke volume is affected by temperature and heart rate. - ANSWER Stroke volume is
affected by temperature and heart rate.
A client with a confirmed DVT is being discharged from the ED. Which client statement
indicates that the client has received proper nursing instruction and understands how to
manage this condition?
"I should try not to drink too much during the daytime."
"I should lie on my side with my knees bent when sleeping."
"I need to ice my leg every 2 hours for about 20 minutes."
"I need to do my leg exercises five times or more every hour." - ANSWER "I need to do
my leg exercises five times or more every hour."
A nurse is caring for a client who had an aortic balloon valvuloplasty. The nurse should
inspect the surgical insertion site closely for which complication(s)?
Bleeding and infection
Bleeding and wound dehiscence
Thrombosis and infection
Evisceration - ANSWER Bleeding and infection
A client who recently had a myocardial infarction develops pericarditis and complains of
chest pain rated 6 (on a scale of 0-10) with deep breathing. Which ordered pro re nata
medications is most appropriate for the nurse to administer?
Morphine sulfate 6 mg IVP every 2-4 hours
Fentanyl 2 mg intravenous pyelogram (IVP) every 2-4 hours
Acetaminophen 650 mg PO every 4 hours
Ibuprofen 800 mg PO every 8 hours - ANSWER Ibuprofen 800 mg PO every 8 hours
The nurse instructs a client recovering from mechanical valve replacement surgery.
Which client statement indicates that teaching has been effective?
"I can play soccer in a week or two."
"I will not drive until informed by my health care provider."
"I have a low risk of developing an infection in my heart."
"I will not need to take anticoagulant medication every day." - ANSWER "I will not drive
until informed by my health care provider."
A nurse is caring for a client receiving warfarin therapy following a mechanical valve
replacement. The client had a prothrombin time and International Normalized Ratio
(INR) drawn before breakfast. The laboratory report shows the client's INR reading was
4. What is the nurse's first priority ?
Assess the client for bleeding and notify the health care provider of the results.
,Notify the next nurse on afternoon shift to hold the evening dose of warfarin.
Notify the health care provider to request an increase in the warfarin dose.
Be prepared to administer an I.M. vitamin K injection and notify the healthcare provider
of the results. - ANSWER Assess the client for bleeding and notify the health care
provider of the results.
The nurse suspects a client has developed pericarditis after a week of cold-like
symptoms. Which of the client's signs and symptoms indicate pericarditis?
low urine output secondary to left ventricular dysfunction
fever, chest discomfort, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
pitting edema, chest discomfort, and nonspecific ST-segment elevation
lethargy, anorexia, and heart failure - ANSWER fever, chest discomfort, and elevated
erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
A client is admitted to the hospital with aortic stenosis. What assessment findings
would indicate the development of left ventricular failure?
Orthopnea, nausea, pedal edema
Distended jugular veins, pedal edema, nausea
Dyspnea, orthopnea, pulmonary edema
Dyspnea, distended jugular veins, orthopnea - ANSWER Dyspnea, orthopnea,
pulmonary edema
Which would the nurse stress as a periodic lifelong necessity for a client managing
infective endocarditis?
Exercise regimen
Antihypertensive medication
Potassium replacement
Antibiotic therapy - ANSWER Antibiotic therapy
The nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with aortic stenosis. The client
is prescribed digoxin. What is the rationale for the medication?
left ventricular dysfunction
angina
dyspnea
edema - ANSWER left ventricular dysfunction
A client is admitted to the hospital with possible acute pericarditis and pericardial
effusion. The nurse knows to prepare the client for which diagnostic test to confirm the
client's diagnosis?
Computed tomography
Echocardiography
Chest x-ray
Cardiac catheterization - ANSWER Echocardiography
, A client comes to the clinic reporting fever, chills, and sore throat and is diagnosed with
streptococcal pharyngitis. A nurse knows that early diagnosis and effective treatment is
essential to avoid which preventable disease?
Rheumatic fever
Cardiomyopathy
Pericarditis
Mitral stenosis - ANSWER Rheumatic fever
The nurse is educating a client about the care related to a new diagnosis of mitral valve
prolapse. What statement made by the client demonstrates understanding of the
teaching?
"I will take antibiotics before getting my teeth cleaned."
"I can get my tongue pierced at a store in the shopping mall."
"I will avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking."
"I can get a tattoo at a local parlor." - ANSWER "I will avoid caffeine, alcohol, and
smoking."
A nurse is caring for a client with aortic stenosis whose compensatory mechanisms of
the heart have begun to fail. The nurse will monitor the client carefully for which initial
symptoms?
Dizziness, nausea, diarrhea
Exertional dyspnea, orthopnea, pulmonary edema
Syncope, fever, vomiting
Nausea, vomiting, exertional fatigue - ANSWER Exertional dyspnea, orthopnea,
pulmonary edema
The nurse is assessing a client admitted with infective endocarditis. Which
manifestation would the nurse expect to find?
Bruising on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
Raised red rash on the trunk and face
Involuntary muscle movements of the extremities
Small painful lesions on the pads of the fingers and toes - ANSWER Small painful
lesions on the pads of the fingers and toes
During assessment of a client admitted for cardiomyopathy, the nurse notes the
following symptoms: dyspnea on exertion, fatigue, fluid retention, and nausea. The
initial appropriate nursing diagnosis is which of the following?
Ineffective airway clearance
Disturbed sensory perception
Decreased cardiac output
Autonomic dysreflexia - ANSWER Decreased cardiac output
A nurse and a nursing student are performing a physical assessment of a client with
pericarditis. The client has an audible pericardial friction rub on auscultation. When
leaving the room, the student asks the nurse what causes the sound. The nurse's best
response is which of the following?
MUGA scan?
Drink plenty of fluids during the test.
Lie very still at intermittent times during the test.
Avoid dairy products a day before and a day after the test.
Avoid any activity at least 2 hours before the test. - ANSWER Lie very still at intermittent
times during the test.
The nurse observes a client with an onset of heart failure having rapid, shallow
breathing at a rate of 32 breaths/minute. What blood gas analysis does the nurse
anticipate finding initially?
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis - ANSWER Respiratory alkalosis
Which medication is categorized as a loop diuretic?
Chlorthalidone
Chlorothiazide
Furosemide
Spironolactone - ANSWER Furosemide
A client is awaiting the availability of a heart for transplant. What option may be
available to the client as a bridge to transplant?
Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)
Ventricular assist device (VAD)
Pacemaker
Implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) - ANSWER Ventricular assist device (VAD)
The nurse is assessing a client admitted with cardiogenic shock. What medication will
the nurse titrate to improve blood flow to vital organs?
metoprolol
furosemide
dopamine
enalapril - ANSWER dopamine
The nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is receiving cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR). For which reason will the client be prescribed to receive
amiodarone during the resuscitation efforts?
Correct metabolic acidosis.
Treat pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
Reduce the development of torsade de pointes.
Prevent the development of hypotension. - ANSWER Treat pulseless ventricular
tachycardia.
, The nurse is discussing cardiac terms with a client who was doing some reading on the
Internet. What is the correct response for the nurse when the client asks what affects
stroke volume?
Stroke volume depends on kidney and lung functions.
Stroke volume is affected by the electrocardiogram intervals.
Stroke volume is similar to your blood pressure.
Stroke volume is affected by temperature and heart rate. - ANSWER Stroke volume is
affected by temperature and heart rate.
A client with a confirmed DVT is being discharged from the ED. Which client statement
indicates that the client has received proper nursing instruction and understands how to
manage this condition?
"I should try not to drink too much during the daytime."
"I should lie on my side with my knees bent when sleeping."
"I need to ice my leg every 2 hours for about 20 minutes."
"I need to do my leg exercises five times or more every hour." - ANSWER "I need to do
my leg exercises five times or more every hour."
A nurse is caring for a client who had an aortic balloon valvuloplasty. The nurse should
inspect the surgical insertion site closely for which complication(s)?
Bleeding and infection
Bleeding and wound dehiscence
Thrombosis and infection
Evisceration - ANSWER Bleeding and infection
A client who recently had a myocardial infarction develops pericarditis and complains of
chest pain rated 6 (on a scale of 0-10) with deep breathing. Which ordered pro re nata
medications is most appropriate for the nurse to administer?
Morphine sulfate 6 mg IVP every 2-4 hours
Fentanyl 2 mg intravenous pyelogram (IVP) every 2-4 hours
Acetaminophen 650 mg PO every 4 hours
Ibuprofen 800 mg PO every 8 hours - ANSWER Ibuprofen 800 mg PO every 8 hours
The nurse instructs a client recovering from mechanical valve replacement surgery.
Which client statement indicates that teaching has been effective?
"I can play soccer in a week or two."
"I will not drive until informed by my health care provider."
"I have a low risk of developing an infection in my heart."
"I will not need to take anticoagulant medication every day." - ANSWER "I will not drive
until informed by my health care provider."
A nurse is caring for a client receiving warfarin therapy following a mechanical valve
replacement. The client had a prothrombin time and International Normalized Ratio
(INR) drawn before breakfast. The laboratory report shows the client's INR reading was
4. What is the nurse's first priority ?
Assess the client for bleeding and notify the health care provider of the results.
,Notify the next nurse on afternoon shift to hold the evening dose of warfarin.
Notify the health care provider to request an increase in the warfarin dose.
Be prepared to administer an I.M. vitamin K injection and notify the healthcare provider
of the results. - ANSWER Assess the client for bleeding and notify the health care
provider of the results.
The nurse suspects a client has developed pericarditis after a week of cold-like
symptoms. Which of the client's signs and symptoms indicate pericarditis?
low urine output secondary to left ventricular dysfunction
fever, chest discomfort, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
pitting edema, chest discomfort, and nonspecific ST-segment elevation
lethargy, anorexia, and heart failure - ANSWER fever, chest discomfort, and elevated
erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
A client is admitted to the hospital with aortic stenosis. What assessment findings
would indicate the development of left ventricular failure?
Orthopnea, nausea, pedal edema
Distended jugular veins, pedal edema, nausea
Dyspnea, orthopnea, pulmonary edema
Dyspnea, distended jugular veins, orthopnea - ANSWER Dyspnea, orthopnea,
pulmonary edema
Which would the nurse stress as a periodic lifelong necessity for a client managing
infective endocarditis?
Exercise regimen
Antihypertensive medication
Potassium replacement
Antibiotic therapy - ANSWER Antibiotic therapy
The nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with aortic stenosis. The client
is prescribed digoxin. What is the rationale for the medication?
left ventricular dysfunction
angina
dyspnea
edema - ANSWER left ventricular dysfunction
A client is admitted to the hospital with possible acute pericarditis and pericardial
effusion. The nurse knows to prepare the client for which diagnostic test to confirm the
client's diagnosis?
Computed tomography
Echocardiography
Chest x-ray
Cardiac catheterization - ANSWER Echocardiography
, A client comes to the clinic reporting fever, chills, and sore throat and is diagnosed with
streptococcal pharyngitis. A nurse knows that early diagnosis and effective treatment is
essential to avoid which preventable disease?
Rheumatic fever
Cardiomyopathy
Pericarditis
Mitral stenosis - ANSWER Rheumatic fever
The nurse is educating a client about the care related to a new diagnosis of mitral valve
prolapse. What statement made by the client demonstrates understanding of the
teaching?
"I will take antibiotics before getting my teeth cleaned."
"I can get my tongue pierced at a store in the shopping mall."
"I will avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking."
"I can get a tattoo at a local parlor." - ANSWER "I will avoid caffeine, alcohol, and
smoking."
A nurse is caring for a client with aortic stenosis whose compensatory mechanisms of
the heart have begun to fail. The nurse will monitor the client carefully for which initial
symptoms?
Dizziness, nausea, diarrhea
Exertional dyspnea, orthopnea, pulmonary edema
Syncope, fever, vomiting
Nausea, vomiting, exertional fatigue - ANSWER Exertional dyspnea, orthopnea,
pulmonary edema
The nurse is assessing a client admitted with infective endocarditis. Which
manifestation would the nurse expect to find?
Bruising on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
Raised red rash on the trunk and face
Involuntary muscle movements of the extremities
Small painful lesions on the pads of the fingers and toes - ANSWER Small painful
lesions on the pads of the fingers and toes
During assessment of a client admitted for cardiomyopathy, the nurse notes the
following symptoms: dyspnea on exertion, fatigue, fluid retention, and nausea. The
initial appropriate nursing diagnosis is which of the following?
Ineffective airway clearance
Disturbed sensory perception
Decreased cardiac output
Autonomic dysreflexia - ANSWER Decreased cardiac output
A nurse and a nursing student are performing a physical assessment of a client with
pericarditis. The client has an audible pericardial friction rub on auscultation. When
leaving the room, the student asks the nurse what causes the sound. The nurse's best
response is which of the following?
