Nclex Cardiovascular Exam Questions

Nclex Cardiovascular Exam Questions and Correct Detailed Answers A 24-year-old man seeks medical attention for complaints of claudication in the arch of the foot. The nurse also notes superficial thrombophlebitis of the lower leg. Next, the nurse should check the client's medical history for which item? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Smoking history A client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) tells the nurse that the pain likely resulted from the fried chicken sandwich that the client had for lunch. The nurse's response is based on which fact? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Denial is a common occurrence early after MI.A client admitted to the hospital with coronary artery (CAD) disease complains of dyspnea at rest. The nurse determines that which would be of most help to the client? -

CORRECT ANSWERS: Elevating the head of the bed to at least 45 degrees

A client asks the nurse about metabolic syndrome and what it means. The teaching plan should include which characteristics that define metabolic syndrome? Select all that apply. - CORRECT ANSWERS: Blood pressure is elevated with systolic values greater than 130 mm Hg and diastolic values greater than 85 mm Hg.The client has abdominal obesity with a waist greater than 40 inches in males and greater 35 inches in females.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? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Teaches about the effects of cocaine on the heart and offers referral for further help A client brings the following medications to the clinic for a yearly physical. The nurse realizes which medication has been prescribed to treat heart failure? - CORRECT

ANSWERS: Digoxin

A client complaining of chest pain has an as-needed (PRN) prescription for sublingual nitroglycerin. Before administering the medication to the client, the nurse should first

check which parameter? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Blood pressure

A client diagnosed with angina pectoris returns to the nursing unit after experiencing an angioplasty. The nurse reinforces instructions to the client regarding the procedure and home care measures. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the instructions? - CORRECT ANSWERS: "I need to adhere to my dietary restrictions."

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? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Pulmonary embolism

A client has a history of left-sided heart failure. The nurse should look for the presence of which finding to determine whether the problem is currently active? - CORRECT

ANSWERS: Bilateral lung crackles

A client has an Unna boot applied for treatment of a venous stasis leg ulcer. The nurse notes that the client's toes are mottled and cool, and the client verbalizes some numbness and tingling of the foot. Which interpretation should the nurse make of these

findings? - CORRECT ANSWERS: The boot has been applied too tightly.

A client has been diagnosed with Prinzmetal's angina. The nurse reviews the medical record and notes which accompanying characteristics? Select all that apply. -

CORRECT ANSWERS: Prolonged severe pain

Happens at the same time each day A client has experienced an episode of pulmonary edema. The nurse determines that the client's respiratory status is improving if which breath sounds are noted? -

CORRECT ANSWERS: Crackles in the lung bases

A client has just completed an information session about measures to minimize the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). Which statement indicates an initial understanding of lifestyle alterations? - CORRECT ANSWERS: I should eat a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol.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? - CORRECT ANSWERS: With the head of bed elevated no more than

30 degrees 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, the nurse places a sign above the bed stating that the client should remain on bed rest and in which

position? - CORRECT ANSWERS: With the head of the bed elevated no more than 15

degrees A client has received atropine sulfate intravenously during a surgical procedure. The nurse monitors the client for which side effect of the atropine sulfate in the postoperative

period? - CORRECT ANSWERS:

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? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Chest pain

A client in a long-term care facility who has a history of angina pectoris wants to go for a short walk outside with a family member. It is a sunny but chilly December day. The nurse should perform which intervention to care for this client in a holistic manner? -

CORRECT ANSWERS: Instruct the family member to dress the client warmly before

going outside.A client in pulmonary edema has a prescription to receive morphine sulfate intravenously. The licensed practical nurse assisting in caring for the client determines that the client experienced an intended effect of the medication if which is noted? -

CORRECT ANSWERS: Relief of apprehension

A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of pericarditis. The nurse reviews the client's record for which sign or symptom that differentiates pericarditis from other

cardiopulmonary problems? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Pericardial friction rub

A client is admitted to the hospital with a venous stasis leg ulcer. The nurse is reviewing the physical examination in the medical record. Which symptom is least likely to be

noted by the primary health care provider? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Sharp pain in the

leg A client is admitted to the hospital with possible rheumatic endocarditis. The nurse

should check for a history of which type of infection? - CORRECT ANSWERS:

Streptococcal infection A client is admitted to the hospital with possible rheumatic heart disease. The nurse collects data from the client and checks the client for which signs/symptoms? -

CORRECT ANSWERS: Fever and sore throat

A client is admitted with an arterial ischemic leg ulcer. The nurse expects to note that this ulcer has which typical characteristic? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Deep and painful A client is at risk for complications of heart failure. Which is the nurse's priority for early detection of the most likely cause of complications with this client? - CORRECT

ANSWERS: Evaluating total body fluid

A client is diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). The nurse should become concerned with which laboratory values? Select all that apply. -

CORRECT ANSWERS: Increased D-dimer

Decreased hemoglobin Decreased fibrinogen level

A client is diagnosed with thrombophlebitis. The nurse should tell the client that which

prescription is indicated? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Bed rest with elevation of the

affected extremity A client is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization using a radiopaque dye. The nurse

checks which most critical item before the procedure? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Prior

reaction to contrast media A client is scheduled for a dipyridamole thallium scan. The nurse should check to make sure that the client has not consumed which substance before the procedure? -

CORRECT ANSWERS: Caffeine

A client is seen in the health care provider's office for a physical examination after experiencing unusual fatigue over the last several weeks. Height is 5 feet, 8 inches, with a weight of 220 pounds. Vital signs are temperature 98.6° F oral, pulse 86 beats per minute, respirations 18 breaths per minute, and blood pressure 184/96 mm Hg.Random blood glucose is 110 mg/dL. In order to best collect relevant data, which question should the nurse ask the client first? - CORRECT ANSWERS: "When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked?" A client is wearing a continuous cardiac monitor which begins to alarm at the nurse's station. The nurse sees no electrocardiographic complexes on the screen. The nurse should do which action first? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Check the client status and lead placement A client returns to the nursing unit after an above-knee amputation of the right leg. In which position should the nurse place the client? - CORRECT ANSWERS: With the foot of the bed elevated A client seeks medical attention for intermittent episodes in which the fingers of both hands become cold, pale, and numb. The client states that they then become reddened and swollen with a throbbing, achy pain and Raynaud's disease is diagnosed. Which factor would precipitate these episodes? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Ingestion of coffee or chocolate A client who experienced a myocardial infarction (MI) tells the nurse that he is fearful about not being able to return to a normal life. Which action by the nurse is therapeutic

at this time? - CORRECT ANSWERS: Explore specific concerns with the client.

A client who has undergone femoropopliteal bypass grafting says to the nurse, "I hope I don't have any more problems that could make me lose my leg. I'm so afraid that I'll have gone through this for nothing." Which is an appropriate nursing response? -

CORRECT ANSWERS: "You are concerned about losing your leg?"