Physical Exam Cardiovascular System

Physical Exam Cardiovascular System Related

Review Physical Exam Cardiovascular System related questions and content

The client on clopidogrel (Plavix) should be monitored for which adverse effect?

  • A. Bleeding
  • B. Hypertension
  • C. Tachycardia
  • D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bleeding. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that can increase the risk of bleeding due to its mechanism of action in preventing blood clot formation. Monitoring for signs of bleeding such as easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, blood in urine or stool is crucial.

Incorrect Choices:
B: Hypertension - Clopidogrel does not typically cause hypertension.
C: Tachycardia - Clopidogrel does not affect heart rate in a way that would lead to tachycardia.
D: Bradycardia - Clopidogrel is not associated with causing bradycardia.

In summary, monitoring for bleeding is essential when a client is on clopidogrel due to its antiplatelet effects, while hypertension, tachycardia, and bradycardia are not typically associated adverse effects of this medication.

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For which of the following should Mr. Murphy contact his physician following bypass surgery?

  • A. A generalized feeling of being weak and tired
  • B. Incisional discomfort for 4 postoperative weeks
  • C. The presence of some pink drainage from the leg incision site
  • D. Inability to increase walking distance without pain
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Difficulty increasing activity may indicate complications.

What test measures the electrical activity of the heart to detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions?

  • A. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
  • B. Chest X-ray
  • C. Stress test
  • D. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart by recording the heart's rhythm and electrical signals. It is used to detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions based on the pattern of the electrical waves. A chest X-ray (B) is used to visualize the heart and lungs, not to measure electrical activity. A stress test (C) assesses the heart's response to physical activity. Arterial blood gas (D) measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, not heart activity. Thus, the ECG is the most appropriate test for detecting arrhythmias and other heart conditions.

What is the condition where the walls of the heart's ventricles become thickened, reducing the heart's ability to pump blood effectively?

  • A. Ventricular hypertrophy
  • B. Atrial fibrillation
  • C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
  • D. Cardiomyopathy
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ventricular hypertrophy. Ventricular hypertrophy refers to the thickening of the walls of the heart's ventricles, which can reduce the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. This condition is often a response to conditions like high blood pressure or heart valve disease, leading to increased workload on the heart muscle. Atrial fibrillation (B) is an irregular heart rhythm, not directly related to ventricular thickening. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (C) involves stiffening of the heart muscle, affecting the heart's ability to fill properly. Cardiomyopathy (D) is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle, not specifically describing ventricular thickening.

What is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body?

  • A. Heart failure
  • B. Myocardial infarction
  • C. Pericarditis
  • D. Pulmonary edema
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Heart failure is the correct answer because it is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively.
Step 2: This ineffective pumping leads to fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary congestion) and other parts of the body (edema).
Step 3: Myocardial infarction (B) is incorrect as it is an acute condition resulting from a blockage in coronary arteries causing heart muscle damage.
Step 4: Pericarditis (C) is incorrect as it is inflammation of the pericardium, the outer lining of the heart, not directly related to heart pumping efficiency.
Step 5: Pulmonary edema (D) is incorrect as it specifically refers to fluid accumulation in the lungs, not necessarily linked to heart failure.

During a clinic appointment, a patient states, 'I came in because my calcium score was positive on my CT scan last week.' In which section of the patient assessment does the cardiac-vascular nurse document this finding?

  • A. Past medical history.
  • B. Personal/social history.
  • C. Presenting problem.
  • D. Review of symptoms.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The presenting problem section documents the reason for the current visit.

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