Cardiovascular System Practice Exam

Cardiovascular System Practice Exam Related

Review Cardiovascular System Practice Exam related questions and content

The client has a prescription for sublingual nitroglycerin. What is the nurse's instruction for how to take this medication during an episode of chest pain?

  • A. Take one tablet every 5 minutes, up to three tablets.
  • B. Take one tablet every hour until the pain subsides.
  • C. Take two tablets immediately if chest pain occurs.
  • D. Take one tablet with a full glass of water.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Sublingual nitroglycerin is taken under the tongue to quickly relieve chest pain. The nurse should instruct the client to take one tablet every 5 minutes during an episode of chest pain, up to a maximum of three tablets. This is because nitroglycerin works rapidly to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart, helping to relieve angina symptoms. Taking one tablet every hour or two tablets immediately may not provide adequate relief and could lead to an overdose. Taking the tablet with water is unnecessary as the medication is absorbed through the mucous membranes under the tongue.

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What is the condition where the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, causing pain and difficulty walking?

  • A. Peripheral artery disease
  • B. Raynaud's disease
  • C. Varicose veins
  • D. Pulmonary embolism
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is characterized by narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the legs, leading to reduced blood flow, causing pain and difficulty walking (claudication). The narrowing is typically due to atherosclerosis. Raynaud's disease (B) involves spasms of small arteries, causing reduced blood flow to fingers and toes, not legs. Varicose veins (C) are enlarged, twisted veins, not arteries. Pulmonary embolism (D) is a blockage in the lungs' arteries, not the legs.

Which condition occurs when the heart muscle is damaged due to a lack of oxygen, often resulting from a heart attack?

  • A. Myocardial infarction
  • B. Angina
  • C. Pericarditis
  • D. Pulmonary embolism
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when the heart muscle is damaged due to a lack of oxygen supply, often caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries. This results in irreversible damage to the heart tissue.
Explanation:
A: Myocardial infarction is the correct answer as it specifically refers to heart muscle damage due to oxygen deprivation.
B: Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, but it does not result in permanent damage like a heart attack.
C: Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, and does not directly involve heart muscle damage.
D: Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary artery in the lungs, not directly related to heart muscle damage.

The nurse is administering an ACE inhibitor to a client. What is the most common side effect?

  • A. Cough
  • B. Dizziness
  • C. Hypotension
  • D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough. ACE inhibitors commonly cause a persistent dry cough due to the accumulation of bradykinin. This side effect occurs in up to 20% of patients. Dizziness (B) and hypotension (C) are potential side effects of ACE inhibitors but not as common as cough. Hyperkalemia (D) can occur with ACE inhibitors but is not the most common side effect.

Receiving a report that Mr. K.'s prothrombin time (PT) is 4-4.5 times normal, your nursing action would be to

  • A. call Mr. K.'s physician to report the PT
  • B. stop the heparin infusion
  • C. increase the heparin infusion by 10 mg/hr
  • D. nothing, as the value is therapeutic
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: An elevated PT indicates potential bleeding risk, necessitating immediate medical review.

What is the primary consideration when preparing to administer thrombolytic therapy to a patient who is experiencing an acute myocardial infarction (MI)?

  • A. History of heart disease.
  • B. Sensitivity to aspirin.
  • C. Size and location of the MI.
  • D. Time since onset of symptoms.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Thrombolytic therapy is most effective when administered within a few hours of symptom onset.

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