Adult Health Cardiac Review Questions

*A client is admitted with a diagnosis of acute infective endocarditis (IE). Which findings during the nursing assessment support this diagnosis? Select all that apply:* A. Skin petechiae B. Crackles in lung bases C. Peripheral edema D. Murmur E. Arthralgia

A, B, C, D, E

*The nurse plans to teach nonpharmacologic methods to lower blood pressure. Which should the nurse include in teaching? Select all that apply:* A. Stress-reduction techniques B. An exercise program C. Salt restriction D. Smoking cessation E. Reduction in fat and cholesterol intake

A, B, C, D, E

*The nurse is teaching a client with Raynaud's Phenomenon the prevention of vasospasms. The nurse should discuss which of the following lifestyle changes with this client? Select all that apply:* A. Begin a smoking cessation program. B. Elevate the arm of the affected extremity. C. Wear mittens when taking food out of the freezer. D. Warm up the car before driving in cold weather. E. Stop vasospasm by putting the affected part in ice water.

A, C, D

*A client is admitted with unstable angina and started on intravenous heparin and nitroglycerin. The client's chest pain resolves, and she is weaned off the nitroglycerin. Noting that the client had a synthetic valve replacement 2 years ago, the provider writes an order to restart oral warfarin 5 mg at 1900 hours. Which is the nurse's best action:* A. Administer the warfarin as prescribed. B. Call the provider to question the warfarin order. C. Discontinue the heparin drip and then administer warfarin. D. Hold the dose of warfarin until the heparin has been discontinued.

A

*A nurse receives serum laboratory reports for clients admitted with chest pain. After reviewing the labs, which lab value should the nurse address first?* A. Troponin T 42 ng/mL (0.0-0.4 ng/mL) B. WBC 11,000 C. Total cholesterol 260 mg/dL D. Potassium 3.4 mEq/L

A

*The client diagnosed with hypertension and chronic angina is receiving metoprolol (Lopressor). The current vital signs are: BP 132/80 and apical heart rate of 62. The nurse should:* A. Administer the medication as ordered. B. Hold the drug until the vital signs are reported to the provider. C. Wait one hour and recheck vital signs, then decide whether to administer the drug. D. Withhold the drug because the vital signs are normal.

A

*The nurse evaluates that the client who is taking warfarin following DVT understands discharge teaching when the client states that she plans to (Select all that apply):* A. Use a soft toothbrush for dental hygiene. B. Use an electric razor for shaving. C. Report black, tarry stools. D. Consume foods high in Vitamin K, such as leafy greens. E. Floss teeth daily to prevent plaque formation.

A, B, C

*A client is talking with the nurse about her unsightly varicose veins and their discomfort. What information should the nurse provide to the client?* A. Avoid walking to reduce the discomfort. B. Keep your legs elevated when sitting or lying down. C. Sclerotherapy can be used for cosmetic improvements. D. Contact a surgeon for a femoral-popliteal bypass graft.

B

*A client with a diagnosis of unstable angina is going to have a cardiac catheterization. Prior to the procedure the nurse should:* A. Administer a dose of nitroglycerin. B. Assess and record peripheral pulses. C. Verify the client had an echocardiogram. D. Insert a central line.

B

*A client is admitted to the emergency department after experiencing an acute myocardial infarction 30 minutes ago. Which drug does the nurse expect the healthcare provider to order to restore circulation to the myocardium?* A. Heparin sodium B. Clopidogrel C. Reteplase D. Warfarin

C

*A client who has angina is prescribed nitroglycerin. Which is an appropriate nursing intervention when teaching about nitroglycerin?* A. Apply a nitroglycerin patch to a hairy area to protect skin from burning. B. Call the health care provider after taking five tablets if chest pain persists. C. Teach the client who has taken 3 oral doses within 15 minutes to call 911 if chest pain persists. D. Have the client continue physical activity after taking the medication.

C

*A client with coronary artery disease is taking atorvastatin. The nurse should instruct the client to:* A. Be admitted to the hospital to regulate the dose. B. Increase exercise if muscle cramps occur. C. Have periodic laboratory tests for liver function. D. Monitor blood pressure daily.

C

*Which nursing action should the nurse implement when caring for a client experiencing dyspnea due to heart failure?* A. Lower the head of the bed. B. Weigh the client once weekly in the morning. C. Turn and position the client every 1 to 2 hours. D. Check the client's oxygen saturation level.

D

*The nurse is assessing a client with peripheral arterial disease who had a femoral-popliteal bypass. Which of the following indicates improved arterial blood supply to the lower extremity?* A. Dependent rubor. B. Absence of pulse using a Doppler ultrasound. C. Reduction in pitting edema. D. Decrease in muscle pain when walking.

D