Question 1

The nurse notes that a client is prescribed low molecular weight heparin injections.What should the nurse realize is the reason for this medication?
A) Maintain a normal heart rhythm
B) Reduce the development of hypertension
C) Prevent development of an asymptomatic blood clot
D) Maximize perfusion of blood to the lower extremities

Accepted Answer

Low molecular weight heparin injections are typically prescribed to prevent the development of blood clots, especially in situations such as after surgery or during prolonged immobility. This medication works by inhibiting the activity of blood clotting factors to prevent the formation of clots.

Question 2

A client recovering from an acute myocardial infarction is experiencing tachycardia,palpitations,anxiety,jugular vein distention,and fatigue.Which nursing diagnoses is most appropriate for this client?
A) Decreased Cardiac Output
B) Ineffective Peripheral Tissue Perfusion
C) Impaired Cardiac Contractility
D) Activity Intolerance

Accepted Answer

The client's symptoms suggest decreased cardiac output, as tachycardia and palpitations indicate that the heart is working harder than normal to pump blood, while jugular vein distention indicates increased pressure in the veins. Fatigue and anxiety are also common symptoms of decreased cardiac output. Ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion and impaired cardiac contractility may be contributing factors, but decreased cardiac output is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis based on the client's symptoms. Activity intolerance may be a secondary diagnosis, as the client may need to limit activity until their cardiac function improves.

Question 3

A patient diagnosed with hypertension is taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)inhibitor.When planning care,which outcome would be appropriate for the patient?
A) BP will be lower than 135/85 mm Hg on all occasions.
B) BP will be normal after 2 to 3 weeks on medication.
C) Patient will not experience dizziness on rising.
D) Urine output will increase to at least 50 mL/hr.

Accepted Answer

The appropriate outcome for a patient taking an ACE inhibitor for hypertension is to have their blood pressure consistently below 135/85 mm Hg. This is the established goal for patients with hypertension according to current guidelines. While the other outcomes may be important, they are not specific to the use of an ACE inhibitor and may not necessarily be the primary concern for this patient.

Question 4

The nurse prepares material to teach a group of family members on cardiopulmonary resuscitation.Which information should the nurse emphasize in this teaching?
A) Give rescue breaths over 3 seconds.
B) Deliver 100 compressions a minute.
C) Support the head before calling for help.
D) Ensure rescue breathing occurs every 10 compressions.

Accepted Answer

Delivering 100 compressions a minute is a crucial aspect of performing effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as it ensures adequate circulation to vital organs. While the other options may also be important, emphasizing the correct compression rate takes priority in this scenario.

Question 5

The nurse identifies that a client is at risk for developing cardiovascular system problems.Which information did the nurse use to make this clinical determination?
A) Works as a computer operator
B) Stopped smoking decades ago
C) Drinks coffee without cream or sugar
D) Ingests fresh fruit and vegetables daily

Accepted Answer

Working as a computer operator can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular system problems due to prolonged sitting and sedentary lifestyle. While stopping smoking, drinking coffee without cream or sugar, and ingesting fresh fruit and vegetables daily are positive lifestyle habits, they do not necessarily indicate a risk for cardiovascular problems.

Question 6

A client asks why a pulse oximeter reading is being done when experiencing a problem with the heart.What should the nurse respond to this client?
A) "You might not have a heart problem."
B) "Heart problems are caused by breathing problems"
C) "I'm just checking it as a routine part of vital signs."
D) "The heart and lungs work together to provide oxygenation."

Accepted Answer

Pulse oximetry measures the oxygen saturation levels in the blood, which can indicate how well the lungs are delivering oxygen to the body. Since the heart and lungs work together to provide oxygenation to the body, a pulse oximeter reading can help identify if there are any issues with oxygenation that may be related to a heart problem.

Question 7

A client is prescribed an ACE inhibitor.What should the nurse explain as the reason for this medication?
A) Dilate vessels to ease the workload of the heart
B) Increase venous return to raise the blood pressure
C) Decrease the heart rate and reduce heart contractility
D) Increase removal of sodium and water from the body

Accepted Answer

ACE inhibitors are used to dilate blood vessels, reducing the workload of the heart and decreasing blood pressure. They do not directly affect heart rate, contractility, or sodium and water removal from the body.

Question 8

Three days after cardiac surgery,the client's leg used for harvesting veins for the bypass is warm and tender and has a 3-cm area of erythema and swelling at the distal end of the incision.The incision staples are intact without drainage and vital signs are stable.Which type of complication is this client most likely experiencing?
A) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
B) Dehiscence of the wound
C) Internal bleeding
D) Infection at the incisional site

Accepted Answer

The answer of Three days after cardiac surgery,the client's leg...

Question 9

Chronic stress may lead directly to cardiovascular disease because of the repeated release of which chemical?
A) Histamine
B) Catecholamines
C) Cortisol
D) Protease

Accepted Answer

Catecholamines are released in response to stress and can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can damage the heart and blood vessels over time.

Question 10

A client receives treatment for heart failure.Which information in the client's health history contributed to the development of this health problem?
A) Plays golf twice a week
B) Works as a home contractor
C) Ingests a six pack of beer a day
D) Coaches Little League in the summer

Accepted Answer

Ingesting a six pack of beer a day can contribute to the development of heart failure due to the strain it places on the heart. Choices A, B, and D do not have direct correlations with heart failure.

Question 11

The nurse notes that a client's troponin level is elevated.What should this finding indicate to the nurse about the client?
A) Has a high risk for cardiovascular disease
B) Experienced a recent myocardial infarction
C) Had a myocardial infarction several months ago
D) Reduced amount of oxygen carrying capacity in the blood

Accepted Answer

An elevated troponin level is a biomarker of myocardial injury and is most commonly seen in clients who have had a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Therefore, option B is the best choice. Option A is a generalization and may not necessarily be true. Option C is incorrect because a myocardial infarction several months ago would not result in a current elevation of troponin levels. Option D is not related to an elevated troponin level.

Question 12

A client has lower extremity edema.Which intervention should the nurse implement to help with this client's venous return?
A) Increase the amount of daily exercise.
B) Wear well-fitting shoes with dry socks.
C) Adhere to prescribed medication regimen.
D) Elevate the legs above the level of the heart.

Accepted Answer

Elevating the legs above the level of the heart helps to promote venous return by using gravity to aid in the movement of blood back to the heart. This can reduce swelling and edema in the lower extremities. Increasing daily exercise and wearing well-fitting shoes with dry socks can also contribute to venous return, but elevating the legs is the most effective intervention for immediate relief of edema. Adhering to a prescribed medication regimen may also be important, but the question specifically asks about interventions to help with venous return.

Question 13

A client asks why aspirin has been prescribed even though pain is not being experienced.What should the nurse respond to this client?
A) "It dilates blood vessels."
B) "It dissolves clots in the body."
C) "It keeps blood pressure within normal range."
D) "It stops the mechanism that makes blood clots."

Accepted Answer

Aspirin stops the mechanism that makes blood clots. It is often prescribed as a preventative measure for those at risk for heart attacks or strokes, rather than just for pain relief.

Question 14

A client experiences leg pain and edema of both ankles.Which laboratory test should the nurse anticipate being prescribed for this client?
A) C reactive protein (CRP)
B) Coagulation studies
C) Complete blood count
D) Complete metabolism panel

Accepted Answer

The answer of A client experiences leg pain and edema...

Question 15

A client is prescribed continuous cardiac monitoring.Which action should the nurse take to ensure an accurate electrocardiogram tracing?
A) Select electrode placement sites over bony prominences.
B) Apply the electrodes immediately after cleansing the skin,before the alcohol evaporates.
C) Before applying the electrodes,rub the placement sites with gauze until the skin reddens.
D) Ensure that the gel on the back of the electrodes is dry.

Accepted Answer

Rubbing the placement sites with gauze until the skin reddens helps to remove dead skin and oils, ensuring better conductivity and adhesion of the electrodes, which leads to a more accurate electrocardiogram tracing.

Question 16

The nurse prepares material about blood pressure control for a group of community members.What should the nurse include about baroreceptors?
A) Respond to levels of oxygen in the blood
B) Activate the sympathetic nervous system
C) Maintain blood pressure with body position changes
D) Increase respiration based upon carbon dioxide levels

Accepted Answer

Baroreceptors are stretch-sensitive receptors located in the walls of large arteries, particularly the carotid sinuses and aortic arch. They help maintain blood pressure by sensing changes in blood pressure caused by changes in body position or other factors, and signaling the cardiovascular system appropriately to maintain normal blood pressure.

Option A is incorrect, because baroreceptors do not respond to levels of oxygen in the blood.

Option B is incorrect, because while baroreceptor activation can result in sympathetic nervous system activation, it is not the primary function of baroreceptors.

Option D is incorrect, because while respiration and blood pressure are connected physiologically, baroreceptors do not directly increase respiration in response to carbon dioxide levels.

Question 17

The nurse is teaching a pregnant woman about the increased oxygen demand that develops during pregnancy.Which client statement indicates that teaching has been effective?
A) "I may need to drink more fluids in order to make more oxygen."
B) "I may need to take an iron supplement so that I am not anemic."
C) "I will need a multivitamin supplement for several months."
D) "I will need to eat more fruits and vegetables."

Accepted Answer

Taking an iron supplement can help prevent or treat anemia, which can decrease the amount of oxygen that reaches the tissues. The other statements do not directly address the increased oxygen demand during pregnancy. Drinking more fluids, taking a multivitamin, and eating fruits and vegetables are all important for overall health during pregnancy but do not specifically relate to oxygen demand.

Question 18

A client has a heart rate of 112 beats per minute.Which type of dysrhythmia should the nurse suspect this client is experiencing?
A) Brady
B) Tachy
C) Junctional
D) Supraventricular

Accepted Answer

A heart rate of 112 beats per minute is above the normal range of 60-100 beats per minute and is considered a tachycardia dysrhythmia.

Question 19

Which part of the electrocardiogram (ECG)tracing represents ventricular repolarization?
A) P wave
B) QRS complex
C) T wave
D) U wave

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which part of the electrocardiogram (ECG)tracing represents...

Question 20

The nurse is preparing to assess a client's cardiovascular system.Which technique should be used when assessing the carotid arteries?
A) Perform capillary refill
B) Palpate for lifts and heaves
C) Auscultate each side for hums
D) Assess skin color and temperature

Accepted Answer

The technique used when assessing the carotid arteries is auscultation for hums. This involves listening for any abnormal sounds that may indicate a narrowing or blockage in the artery. Palpation should also be used to assess the strength and regularity of the pulse, but this is not specifically related to the carotid arteries. Capillary refill and skin color/temperature assessment are not relevant to assessing the carotid arteries.

Quiz 38: Circulation Perfusion

The nurse notes that a client is prescribed low molecular weight heparin injections.What should the nurse realize is the reason for this medication?

A client recovering from an acute myocardial infarction is experiencing tachycardia,palpitations,anxiety,jugular vein distention,and fatigue.Which nursing diagnoses is most appropriate for this client?

A patient diagnosed with hypertension is taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.When planning care,which outcome would be appropriate for the patient?

The nurse prepares material to teach a group of family members on cardiopulmonary resuscitation.Which information should the nurse emphasize in this teaching?

The nurse identifies that a client is at risk for developing cardiovascular system problems.Which information did the nurse use to make this clinical determination?

A client asks why a pulse oximeter reading is being done when experiencing a problem with the heart.What should the nurse respond to this client?

A client is prescribed an ACE inhibitor.What should the nurse explain as the reason for this medication?

Chronic stress may lead directly to cardiovascular disease because of the repeated release of which chemical?

A client receives treatment for heart failure.Which information in the client's health history contributed to the development of this health problem?

The nurse notes that a client's troponin level is elevated.What should this finding indicate to the nurse about the client?

A client has lower extremity edema.Which intervention should the nurse implement to help with this client's venous return?

A client asks why aspirin has been prescribed even though pain is not being experienced.What should the nurse respond to this client?

A client experiences leg pain and edema of both ankles.Which laboratory test should the nurse anticipate being prescribed for this client?

A client is prescribed continuous cardiac monitoring.Which action should the nurse take to ensure an accurate electrocardiogram tracing?

The nurse prepares material about blood pressure control for a group of community members.What should the nurse include about baroreceptors?

The nurse is teaching a pregnant woman about the increased oxygen demand that develops during pregnancy.Which client statement indicates that teaching has been effective?

A client has a heart rate of 112 beats per minute.Which type of dysrhythmia should the nurse suspect this client is experiencing?

Which part of the electrocardiogram (ECG) tracing represents ventricular repolarization?

The nurse is preparing to assess a client's cardiovascular system.Which technique should be used when assessing the carotid arteries?