NR 340 CRITICAL CARE NURSING Cardiac Concepts Review Exam Q & A 2026 Complete And Study material 21pages LEARNEXAMS

1. A patient with acute myocardial infarction is experiencing severe chest pain unrelieved by nitroglycerin. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering? A. Morphine sulfate B. Atropine sulfate C. Furosemide D. Metoprolol Answer: A. Morphine sulfate Rationale: Morphine sulfate is an opioid analgesic that helps to decrease myocardial oxygen demand, reduce preload and afterload, and alleviate pain, which is crucial in the management of acute myocardial infarction. 2. During the assessment of a patient with pericarditis, the nurse expects to find which clinical manifestation? A. Jugular vein distention B. A friction rub C. Pulsus paradoxus D. Kussmaul's sign Answer: B. A friction rub Rationale: A friction rub is a classic sign of pericarditis and is caused by the inflamed layers of the pericardium rubbing against each other. 3. A nurse is caring for a patient post-cardiac catheterization. Which finding would require immediate intervention? A. A small hematoma at the catheter insertion site B. A pulse distal to the catheter insertion site C. Complaints of mild discomfort at the insertion site D. Bleeding from the catheter insertion site Answer: D. Bleeding from the catheter insertion site Rationale: Bleeding from the catheter insertion site can indicate vascular complications and requires immediate intervention to prevent significant blood loss and other complications. 4. When planning care for a patient with congestive heart failure, which goal is the priority? A. Enhance myocardial oxygenation B. Increase activity tolerance