CT3, 2205 Cardiac Practice Questions
Which of the following terms describes the force against which the ventricle must expel blood? 1. Afterload 2. Cardiac output 3. Overload 4. Preload
1. Afterload refers to the resistance normally maintained by the aortic & pulmonic valves, the condition & tone of the aorta, & the resistance offered by the systemic & pulmonary arterioles. Cardiac output is the amount of blood expelled by the heart per minute. Overload refers to an abundance of circulating volume. Preload is the volume of blood in the ventricle at the end of diastole.
Which of the following types of cardiomyopathy can be associated with childbirth? 1. Dilated 2. Hypertrophic 3. Myocarditis 4. Restrictive
1. Although the cause isn't entirely known, cardiac dilation & heart failure may develop during the last month of pregnancy or the first few months after birth. The condition may result from a preexisting cardiomyopathy not apparent prior to pregnancy. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an abnormal symmetry of the ventricles that has an unknown etiology but a strong familial tendency. Myocarditis isn't specifically associated w/ childbirth. Restrictive cardiomyopathy indicates constrictive pericarditis; the underlying cause is usually myocardial.
Which of the following recurring conditions most commonly occurs in pts with cardiomyopathy? 1. Heart failure 2. Diabetes 3. MI 4. Pericardial effusion
1. Because the structure & function of the heart muscle is affected, heart failure most commonly occurs in pts w/ cardiomyopathy. MI results from prolonged myocardial ischemia due to reduced blood flow through one of the coronary arteries. Pericardial effusion is most predominant in pts w/ pericarditis.
Which of the following heart muscle diseases is unrelated to other cardiovascular disease? 1. Cardiomyopathy 2. Coronary artery disease 3. Myocardial infarction 4. Pericardial effusion
1. Cardiomyopathy isn't usually related to an underlying heart disease such as atherosclerosis. The etiology in most cases is unknown. CAD & MI are directly related to atherosclerosis. Pericardial effusion is the escape of fluid into the pericardial sac, a condition associated w/ Pericarditis & advanced heart failure.
An 18-year-old pt who recently had an URI is admitted with suspected rheumatic fever. Which assessment findings confirm this diagnosis? 1. Erythema marginatum, subcutaneous nodules, & fever 2. Tachycardia, finger clubbing, & a load S3 3. Dyspnea, cough, & palpitations 4. Dyspnea, fatigue, & synocope
1. Diagnosis of rheumatic fever requires that the pt have either two major Jones criteria or one minor criterion plus evidence of a previous streptococcal infection. Major criteria include carditis, polyarthritis, Sydenham's chorea, subcutaneous nodules, & erythema maginatum (transient, nonprurtic macules on the trunk or inner aspects of the upper arms or thighs). Minor criteria include fever, arthralgia, elevated levels of acute phase reactants, & a prolonged PR-interval on ECG.
An older, sedentary adult may not respond to emotional or physical stress as well as a younger individual because of: 1. Left ventricular atrophy 2. Irregular heartbeats 3. peripheral vascular occlusion 4. Pacemaker placement
1. In older adults who are less active & do not exercise the heart muscle, atrophy can result. Disuse or deconditioning can lead to abnormal changes in the myocardium of the older adult. As a result, under sudden emotional or physical stress, the left ventricle is less able to respond to the increased dem&s on the myocardial muscle.
Which of the following results is the primary treatment goal for angina? 1. Reversal of ischemia 2. Reversal of infarction 3. Reduction of stress & anxiety 4. Reduction of associated risk factors
1. Reversal of the ischemia is the primary goal, achieved by reducing oxygen consumption & increasing oxygen supply. An infarction is permanent & can't be reversed.
Which of the following interventions should be the first priority when treating a pt experiencing chest pain while walking? 1. Sit the pt down 2. Get the pt back to bed 3. Obtain an ECG 4. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
1. The initial priority is to decrease the oxygen consumption; this would be achieved by sitting the pt down. An ECG can be obtained after the pt is sitting down. After the ECGm sublingual nitro would be administered. When the pt's condition is stabilized, he can be returned to bed.
1. Which of the following arteries primarily feeds the anterior wall of the heart? a. Circumflex artery b. Internal mammary artery c. Left anterior descending artery d. Right coronary artery
1. c. Left anterior descending artery The left anterior descending artery is the primary source of blood for the anterior wall of the heart. The circumflex artery supplies the lateral wall, the internal mammary artery supplies the mammary, and the right coronary artery supplies the inferior wall of the heart.
10. Prolonged occlusion of the right coronary artery produces an infarction in which of he following areas of the heart? a. Anterior b. Apical c. Inferior d. Lateral
10. c. Inferior The right coronary artery supplies the right ventricle, or the inferior portion of the heart. Therefore, prolonged occlusion could produce an infarction in that area. The right coronary artery doesn't supply the anterior portion ( left ventricle ), lateral portion ( some of the left ventricle and the left atrium ), or the apical portion ( left ventricle ) of the heart.
11. Which of the following is the most common symptom of myocardial infarction? a. Chest pain b. Dyspnea c. Edema d. Palpitations
11. a. Chest pain The most common symptom of an MI is chest pain, resulting from deprivation of oxygen to the heart. Dyspnea is the second most common symptom, related to an increase in the metabolic needs of the body during an MI. Edema is a later sign of heart failure, often seen after an MI. Palpitations may result from reduced cardiac output, producing arrhythmias.
12. Which of the following landmarks is the correct one for obtaining an apical pulse? a. Left intercostal space, midaxillary line b. Left fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line c. Left second intercostal space, midclavicular line d. Left seventh intercostal space, midclavicular line
12. b. Left fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line The correct landmark for obtaining an apical pulse is the left intercostal space in the midclavicular line. This is the point of maximum impulse and the location of the left ventricular apex. The left second intercostal space in the midclavicular line is where the pulmonic sounds are auscultated. Normally, heart sounds aren't heard in the midaxillary line or the seventh intercostal space in the midclavicular line.
13. Which of the following systems is the most likely origin of pain the client describes as knifelike chest pain that increases in intensity with inspiration? a. Cardiac b. Gastrointestinal c. Musculoskeletal d. Pulmonary
13. d. Pulmonary Pulmonary pain is generally described by these symptoms. Musculoskeletal pain only increase with movement. Cardiac and GI pains don't change with respiration.
14. A murmur is heard at the second left intercostal space along the left sternal border. Which valve area is this? a. Aortic b. Mitral c. Pulmonic d. Tricuspid
14. c. Pulmonic Abnormalities of the pulmonic valve are auscultated at the second left intercostal space along the left sternal border. Aortic valve abnormalities are heard at the second intercostal space, to the right of the sternum. Mitral valve abnormalities are heard at the fifth intercostal space in the midclavicular line. Tricuspid valve abnormalities are heard at the third and fourth intercostal spaces along the sternal border.
15. Which of the following blood tests is most indicative of cardiac damage? a. Lactate dehydrogenase b. Complete blood count c. Troponin I d. Creatine kinase
15. c. Troponin I Troponin I levels rise rapidly and are detectable within 1 hour of myocardial injury. Troponin I levels aren't detectable in people without cardiac injury. Lactate dehydrogenase is present in almost all body tissues and not specific to heart muscle. LDH isoenzymes are useful in diagnosing cardiac injury. CBC is obtained to review blood counts, and a complete chemistry is obtained to review electrolytes. Because CK levels may rise with skeletal muscle injury, CK isoenzymes are required to detect cardiac injury.
16. What is the primary reason for administering morphine to a client with myocardial infarction? a. To sedate the client b. To decrease the client's pain c. To decrease the client's anxiety d. To decrease oxygen demand on the client's heart
16. d. To decrease oxygen demand on the client's heart Morphine is administered because it decreases myocardial oxygen demand. Morphine will also decrease pain and anxiety while causing sedation, but isn't primarily given for those reasons.
17. Which of the followng conditions is most commonly responsible for myocardial infarction? a. Aneurysm b. Heart failure c. Coronary artery thrombosis d. Renal failure
17. c. Coronary artery thrombosis Coronary artery thrombosis causes occlusion of the artery, leading to myocardial death. An aneurysm is an outpouching of a vessel and doesn't cause an MI. Renal failure can be associated with MI but isn't a direct cause. Heart failure is usually the result of an MI.
Which of the following classes of drugs is most widely used in the treatment of cardiomyopathy? 1. Antihypertensives 2. Beta-adrenergic blockers 3. Calcium channel blockers 4. Nitrates
2. By decreasing the heart rate & contractility, beta-blockers improve myocardial filling & cardiac output, which are primary goals in the treatment of cardiomyopathy. Antihypertensives aren't usually indicated because they would decrease cardiac output in pts who are already hypotensive. Calcium channel blockers are sometimes used for the same reasons as beta-blockers; however, they aren't as effective as beta-blockers & cause increased hypotension. Nitrates aren't used because of their dilating effects, which would further compromise the myocardium.
In which of the following types of cardiomyopathy does cardiac output remain normal? 1. Dilated 2. Hypertrophic 3. Obliterative 4. Restrictive
2. Cardiac output isn't affected by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy because the size of the ventricle remains relatively unchanged. All of the rest decrease cardiac output.
Which of the following conditions is associated with a predictable level of pain that occurs as a result of physical or emotional stress? 1. Anxiety 2. Stable angina 3. Unstable angina 4. Variant angina
2. The pain of stable angina is predictable in nature, builds gradually, & quickly reaches maximum intensity. Unstable angina doesn't always need a trigger, is more intense, & lasts longer than stable angina. Variant angina usually occurs at rest—not as a result of exercise or stress.
2. When do coronary arteries primarily receive blood flow? a. During inspiration b. During diastole c. During expiration d. During systole
2. b. During diastole Although the coronary arteries may receive a minute portion of blood during systole, most of the blood flow to coronary arteries is supplied during diastole. Breathing patterns are irrelevant to blood flow
20. Which of the following complications is indicated by a third heart sound (S3)? a. Ventricular dilation b. Systemic hypertension c. Aortic valve malfunction d. Increased atrial contractions
20. a. Ventricular dilation Rapid filling of the ventricles causes vasodilation that is auscultated as S3. Increased atrial contraction or systemic hypertension can result is a fourth heart sound. Aortic valve malfunction is heard as a murmur.
21. After an anterior wall myocardial infarction, which of the following problems is indicated by auscultation of crackles in the lungs? a. Left-sided heart failure b. Pulmonic valve malfunction c. Right-sided heart failure d. Tricuspid valve malfunction
21. a. Left-sided heart failure The left ventricle is responsible for the most of the cardiac output. An anterior wall MI may result in a decrease in left ventricular function. When the left ventricle doesn't function properly, resulting in left-sided heart failure, fluid accumulates in the interstitial and alveolar spaces in the lungs and causes crackles. Pulmonic and tricuspid valve malfunction causes right-sided heart failure.
22. Which of the following diagnostic tools is most commonly used to determine the location of myocardial damage? a. Cardiac catheterization b. Cardiac enzymes c. Echocardiogram d. Electrocardiogram
22. d. Electrocardiogram The ECG is the quickest, most accurate, and most widely used tool to determine the location of myocardial infarction. Cardiac enzymes are used to diagnose MI but can't determine the location. An echocardiogram is used most widely to view myocardial wall function after an MI has been diagnosed. Cardiac catheterization is an invasive study for determining coronary artery disease and may also indicate the location of myocardial damage, but the study may not be performed immediately.
23. What is the first intervention for a client experiencing myocardial infarction? a. Administer morphine b. Administer oxygen c. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin d. Obtain an electrocardiogram
23. b. Administer oxygen Administering supplemental oxygen to the client is the first priority of care. The myocardium is deprived of oxygen during an infarction, so additional oxygen is administered to assist in oxygenation and prevent further damage. Morphine and sublingual nitroglycerin are also used to treat MI, but they're more commonly administered after the oxygen. An ECG is the most common diagnostic tool used to evaluate MI.
24. What is the most appropriate nursing response to a myocardial infarction client who is fearful of dying? a. "Tell me about your feeling right now." b. "When the doctor arrives, everything will be fine." c. "This is a bad situation, but you'll feel better soon." d. "Please be assured we're doing everything we can to make you feel better."
24. a. "Tell me about your feeling right now." Validation of the client's feelings is the most appropriate response. It gives the client a feeling of comfort and safety. The other three responses give the client false hope. No one can determine if a client experiencing MI will feel or get better and therefore, these responses are inappropriate.
25. Which of the following classes of medications protects the ischemic myocardium by blocking catecholamines and sympathetic nerve stimulation? a. Beta-adrenergic blockers b. Calcium channel blockers c. Narcotics d. Nitrates
25. a. Beta-adrenergic blockers Beta-adrenergic blockers work by blocking beta receptors in the myocardium, reducing the response to catecholamines and sympathetic nerve stimulation. They protect the myocardium, helping to reduce the risk of another infarction by decreasing the workload of the heart and decreasing myocardial oxygen demand. Calcium channel blockers reduce the workload of the heart by decreasing the heart rate. Narcotics reduce myocardial oxygen demand, promote vasodilation, and decreased anxiety. Nitrates reduce myocardial oxygen consumption by decreasing left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (preload) and systemic vascular resistance (afterload).
26. What is the most common complication of a myocardial infarction? a. Cardiogenic shock b. Heart failure c. Arrhythmias d. Pericarditis
26. c. Arrhythmias Arrhythmias, caused by oxygen deprivation to the myocardium, are the most common complication of an MI. cardiogenic shock, another complication of MI, is defined as the end stage of left ventricular dysfunction. The condition occurs in approximately 15% of clients with MI. Because the pumping function of the heart is compromised by an MI, heart failure is the second most common complication. Pericarditis most commonly results from a bacterial of viral infection but may occur after MI.
27. With which of the following disorders is jugular vein distention most prominent? a. Abdominal aortic aneurysm b. Heart failure c. Myocardial infarction d. Pneumothorax
27. b. Heart failure Elevated venous pressure, exhibited as jugular vein distention, indicates a failure of the heart to pump. Jugular vein distention isn't a symptom of abdominal aortic aneurysm or pneumothorax. An MI, if severe enough, can progress to heart failure; however, in and of itself, an MI doesn't cause jugular vein distention.
28. What position should the nurse place the head of the bed in to obtain the most accurate reading of jugular vein distention? a. High-fowler's b. Raised 10 degrees c. Raised 30 degrees d. Supine position
28. c. Raised 30 degrees Jugular venous pressure is measured with a centimeter ruler to obtain the vertical distance between the sternal angle and the point of highest pulsation with the head of the bed inclined between 15 and 30 degrees. Inclined pressure can't be seen when the client is supine or when the head of the bed is raised 10 degrees because the point that marks the pressure level is above the jaw (therefore, not visible). In high Fowler's position, the veins would be barely discernible above the clavicle.
29. Which of the following parameters should be checked before administering digoxin? a. Apical pulse b. Blood pressure c. Radial pulse d. Respiratory rate
29. a. Apical pulse An apical pulse is essential or accurately assessing the client's heart rate before administering digoxin. The apical pulse is the most accurate point in the body. Blood pressure is usually only affected if the heart rate is too low, in which case the nurse would withhold digoxin. The radial pulse can be affected by cardiac and vascular disease and therefore, won't always accurately depict the heart rate. Digoxin has no effect on respiratory function.
Which of the following positions would best aid breathing for a pt with acute pulmonary edema? 1. Lying flat in bed 2. Left side-lying 3. In high Fowler's position 4. In semi-Fowler's position
3. A high Fowler's position promotes ventilation & facilitates breathing by reducing venous return. Lying flat & side-lying positions worsen the breathing & increase workload of the heart. Semi-Fowler's position won't reduce the workload of the heart as well as the Fowler's position will.
Which of the following would be a priority nursing diagnosis for the pt with heart failure & pulmonary edema? 1. Risk for infection related to stasis of alveolar secretions 2. Impaired skin integrity related to pressure 3. Activity intolerance related to pump failure 4. Constipation related to immobility
3. Activity intolerance is a primary problem for pts w/ heart failure & pulmonary edema. The decreased cardiac output associated w/ heart failure leads to reduced oxygen & fatigue. Pts frequently complain of dyspnea & fatigue. The pt could be at risk for infection related to stasis of secretions or impaired skin integrity related to pressure. However, these are not the priority nursing diagnoses for the pt w/ HF & pulmonary edema, nor is constipation related to immobility.
Septal involvement occurs in which type of cardiomyopathy? 1. Congestive 2. Dilated 3. Hypertrophic 4. Restrictive
3. In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hypertrophy of the ventricular septum—not the ventricle chambers—is apparent. This abnormality isn't seen in other types of cardiomyopathy.
Myocardial oxygen consumption increases as which of the following parameters increase? 1. Preload, afterload, & cerebral blood flow 2. Preload, afterload, & renal blood flow 3. Preload, afterload, contractility, & heart rate. 4. Preload, afterload, cerebral blood flow, & heart rate.
3. Myocardial oxygen consumption increases as preload, afterload, renal contractility, & heart rate increase. Cerebral blood flow doesn't directly affect myocardial oxygen consumption.
A pt with angina complains that the angina pain is prolonged & severe & occurs at the same time each day, most often in the morning, On further assessment a nurse notes that the pain occurs in the absence of precipitating factors. This type of anginal pain is best described as: 1. Stable angina 2. Unstable angina 3. Variant angina 4. Nonanginal pain
3. Stable angina is induced by exercise & is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin tablets. Unstable angina occurs at lower & lower levels of activity & rest, is less predictable, & is often a precursor of myocardial infarction. Variant angina, or Prinzmetal's angina, is prolonged & severe & occurs at the same time each day, most often in the morning.
Acute pulmonary edema caused by heart failure is usually a result of damage to which of the following areas of the heart? 1. Left atrium 2. Right atrium 3. Left ventricle 4. Right ventricle
3. The left ventricle is responsible for the majority of force for the cardiac output. If the left ventricle is damaged, the output decreases & fluid accumulates in the interstitial & alveolar spaces, causing pulmonary edema. Damage to the left atrium would contribute to heart failure but wouldn't affect cardiac output or, therefore, the onset of pulmonary edema. If the right atrium & right ventricle were damaged, right-sided heart failure would result.
If medical treatments fail, which of the following invasive procedures is necessary for treating cariomyopathy? 1. Cardiac catherization 2. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) 3. Heart transplantation 4. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)
3. The only definitive treatment for cardiomyopathy that can't be controlled medically is a heart transplant because the damage to the heart muscle is irreversible.
30. Toxicity from which of the following medications may cause a client to see a green halo around lights? a. Digoxin b. Furosemide c. Metoprolol d. Enalapril
30. a. Digoxin One of the most common signs of digoxin toxicity is the visual disturbance known as the green halo sign. The other medications aren't associated with such an effect.
31. Which ofthe following symptoms is most commonly associated with left-sided heart failure? a. Crackles b. Arrhythmias c. Hepatic engorgement d. Hypotension
31. a. Crackles Crackles in the lungs are a classic sign of left-sided heart failure. These sounds are caused by fluid backing up into the pulmonary system. Arrhythmias can be associated with both right and left-sided heart failure. Left-sided heart failure causes hypertension secondary to an increased workload on the system.
32. In which of the following disorders would the nurse expect to assess sacral eddema in bedridden client? a. DM b. Pulmonary emboli c. Renal failure d. Right-sided heart failure
32. d. Right-sided heart failure The most accurate area on the body to assed dependent edema in a bedridden client is the sacral area. Sacral, or dependent, edema is secondary to right-sided heart failure. Diabetes mellitus, pulmonary emboli, and renal disease aren't directly linked to sacral edema.
33. Which of the following symptoms might a client with right-sided heart failure exhibit? a. Adequate urine output b. Polyuria c. Oliguria d. Polydipsia
33. c. Oliguria Inadequate deactivation of aldosterone by the liver after right-sided heart failure leads to fluid retention, which causes oliguria. Adequate urine output, polyuria, and polydipsia aren't associated with right-sided heart failure.
34. Which of the following classes of medications maximizes cardiac performance in clients with heat failure by increasing ventricular contractility? a. Beta-adrenergic blockers b. Calcium channel blockers c. Diuretics d. Inotropic agents
34. d. Inotropic agents Inotropic agents are administered to increase the force of the heart's contractions, thereby increasing ventricular contractility and ultimately increasing cardiac output. Beta-adrenergic blockers and calcium channel blockers decrease the heart rate and ultimately decrease the workload of the heart. Diuretics are administered to decrease the overall vascular volume, also decreasing the workload of the heart.
35. Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system produces which of the following responses? a. Bradycardia b. Tachycardia c. Hypotension d. Decreased myocardial contractility
35. b. Tachycardia Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system causes tachycardia and increased contractility. The other symptoms listed are related to the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for slowing the heart rate.
36. Which of the following conditions is most closely associated with weight gain, nausea, and a decrease in urine output? a. Angina pectoris b. Cardiomyopathy c. Left-sided heart failure d. Right-sided heart failure
36. d. Right-sided heart failure Weight gain, nausea, and a decrease in urine output are secondary effects of right-sided heart failure. Cardiomyopathy is usually identified as a symptom of left-sided heart failure. Left-sided heart failure causes primarily pulmonary symptoms rather than systemic ones. Angina pectoris doesn't cause weight gain, nausea, or a decrease in urine output.
37. What is the most common cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm? a. Atherosclerosis b. DM c. HPN d. Syphilis
37. a. Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis accounts for 75% of all abdominal aortic aneurysms. Plaques build up on the wall of the vessel and weaken it, causing an aneurysm. Although the other conditions are related to the development of an aneurysm, none is a direct cause.
38. In which of the following areas is an abdominal aortic aneurysm most commonly located? a. Distal to the iliac arteries b. Distal to the renal arteries c. Adjacent to the aortic branch d. Proximal to the renal arteries
38. b. Distal to the renal arteries The portion of the aorta distal to the renal arteries is more prone to an aneurysm because the vessel isn't surrounded by stable structures, unlike the proximal portion of the aorta. Distal to the iliac arteries, the vessel is again surrounded by stable vasculature, making this an uncommon site for an aneurysm. There is no area adjacent to the aortic arch, which bends into the thoracic (descending) aorta.
Which of the following cardiac conditions does a fourth heart sound (S4) indicate? 1. Dilated aorta 2. Normally functioning heart 3. Decreased myocardial contractility 4. Failure of the ventricle to eject all of the blood during systole
4. An S4 occurs as a result of increased resistance to ventricular filling after atrial contraction. The increased resistance is related to decreased compliance of the ventricle. A dilated aorta doesn't cause an extra heart sound, though it does cause a murmur. Decreased myocardial contractility is heard as a third heart sound. An S4 isn't heard in a normally functioning heart.
Which of the following blood gas abnormalities is initially most suggestive of pulmonary edema? 1. Anoxia 2. Hypercapnia 3. Hyperoxygenation 4. Hypocapnia
4. In an attempt to compensate for increased work of breathing due to hyperventilation, carbon dioxide decreases, causing hypocapnea. If the condition persists, CO2 retention occurs & hypercapnia results.
Which of the following conditions is the predominant cause of angina? 1. Increased preload 2. Decreased afterload 3. Coronary artery spasm 4. Inadequate oxygen supply to the myocardium
4. Inadequate oxygen supply to the myocardium is responsible for the pain accompanying angina. Increased preload would be responsible for right-sided heart failure. Decreased afterload causes increased cardiac output. Coronary artery spasm is responsible for variant angina.
Which of the following tests is used most often to diagnose angina? 1. Chest x-ray 2. Echocardiogram 3. Cardiac catherization 4. 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG)
4. The 12-lead ECG will indicate ischemia, showing T-wave inversion. In addition, w/ variant angina, the ECG shows ST-segment elevation. A chest x-ray will show heart enlargement or signs of heart failure, but isn't used to diagnose angina.
Which of the following is a compensatory response to decreased cardiac output? 1. Decreased BP 2. Alteration in LOC 3. Decreased BP & diuresis 4. Increased BP & fluid retention
4. The body compensates for a decrease in cardiac output w/ a rise in BP, due to the stimulation of the sympathetic NS & an increase in blood volume as the kidneys retain sodium & water. Blood pressure doesn't initially drop in response to the compensatory mechanism of the body. Alteration in LOC will occur only if the decreased cardiac output persists.
Dyspnea, cough, expectoration, weakness, & edema are classic signs & symptoms of which of the following conditions? 1. Pericarditis 2. Hypertension 3. MI 4. Heart failure
4. These are the classic signs of failure. Pericarditis is exhibited by a feeling of fullness in the chest & auscultation of a pericardial friction rub. Hypertension is usually exhibited by headaches, visual disturbances, & a flushed face. MI causes heart failure but isn't related to these symptoms.
Which of the following types of angina is most closely related with an impending MI? 1. Angina decubitus 2. Chronic stable angina 3. Noctural angina 4. Unstable angina
4. Unstable angina progressively increases in frequency, intensity, & duration & is related to an increased risk of MI w/in 3 to 18 months.
4. Which of the following conditions most commonly results in CAD? a. Atherosclerosis b. DM c. MI d. Renal failure
4. a. Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis, or plaque formation, is the leading cause of CAD. DM is a risk factor for CAD but isn't the most common cause. Renal failure doesn't cause CAD, but the two conditions are related. Myocardial infarction is commonly a result of CAD.
5. Atherosclerosis impedes coronary blood flow by which of the following mechanisms? a. Plaques obstruct the vein b. Plaques obstruct the artery c. Blood clots form outside the vessel wall d. Hardened vessels dilate to allow the blood to flow through
5. b. Plaques obstruct the artery Arteries, not veins, supply the coronary arteries with oxygen and other nutrients. Atherosclerosis is a direct result of plaque formation in the artery. Hardened vessels can't dilate properly and, therefore, constrict blood flow.
6. Which of the following risk factors for coronary artery disease cannot be corrected? a. Cigarette smoking b. DM c. Heredity d. HPN
6. c. Heredity Because "heredity" refers to our genetic makeup, it can't be changed. Cigarette smoking cessation is a lifestyle change that involves behavior modification. Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor that can be controlled with diet, exercise, and medication. Altering one's diet, exercise, and medication can correct hypertension.
7. Exceeding which of the following serum cholesterol levels significantly increases the risk of coronary artery disease? a. 100 mg/dl b. 150 mg/dl c. 175 mg/dl d. 200 mg/dl
7. d. 200 mg/dl Cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dl are considered excessive. They require dietary restriction and perhaps medication. Exercise also helps reduce cholesterol levels. The other levels listed are all below the nationally accepted levels for cholesterol and carry a lesser risk for CAD.
8. Which of the following actions is the first priority care for a client exhibiting signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease? a. Decrease anxiety b. Enhance myocardial oxygenation c. Administer sublignual nitroglycerin d. Educate the client about his symptoms
8. b. Enhance myocardial oxygenation Enhancing mocardial oxygenation is always the first priority when a client exhibits signs and symptoms of cardiac compromise. Without adequate oxygen, the myocardium suffers damage. Sublingual nitorglycerin is administered to treat acute angina, but its administration isn't the first priority. Although educating the client and decreasing anxiety are important in care delivery, nether are priorities when a client is compromised.
9. Medical treatment of coronary artery disease includes which of the following procedures? a. Cardiac catheterization b. Coronary artery bypass surgery c. Oral medication administration d. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
9. c. Oral medication administration Oral medication administration is a noninvasive, medical treatment for coronary artery disease. Cardiac catheterization isn't a treatment but a diagnostic tool. Coronary artery bypass surgery and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty are invasive, surgical treatments.
