Questions for 1/25 & 1/28
The nurse is counseling a group of women about triglyceride levels. For women, what is a normal triglyceride level? a. Over 150 mg/dL b. Under 135 mg/dL c. Over 100 mg/dL d. Under 70 mg/dL
B
A patient with heart failure is anxious to recover quickly. After ambulating with the UAP, the nurse observes that the patient has dyspnea. The nurse asks the patient to rate her exertion on a scale of 1 to 20 and the patient says, "I can keep going. It's only about a 15." What is the nurse's best response? a. "Slow down a bit; ideally you should be less than 12" b. "As long as you are less than 18, you can keep going" c. "Stop right now; you should not tax your heart beyond 5" d. "You should go slower; you cannot reach level 0 in one day"
A
Atherosclerosis affects which larger arteries? (Select all that apply.) a. Renal b. Femoral c. Coronary d. Brachial cephalic e. Aorta
A, B, C, E
A patient has received a heart transplant for dilated cardiomyopathy. Because the patient has a high risk for cardiac tamponade, of which sign/symptoms does the nurse immediately notify the provider? a. Crackles and wheezes of the lungs b. Pulsus paradoxus and muffled heart sounds c. Hepatomegaly and ascites d. Dependent edema and fluid retention
A
A patient is admitted for pericarditis. How will the patient likely describe his pain? a. Grating substernal pain that is aggravated by inspiration. b. Sharp pain that radiates down the left arm. c. Dull ache that feels vaguely like indigestion. d. Continuous boring pain that is relieved with rest.
A
A patient is diagnosed with mitral valve stenosis. Which finding warrants immediate notification of the health care provider because of potential for decompensation? a. Irregularly irregular heart rhythm signifying atrial fibrillation b. Slow, bounding peripheral pulses associated with bradycardia c. An increase and decrease in pulse rate that follows inspiration and expiration d. An increase in pulse rate and blood pressure after exertion
A
A patient is receiving digoxin therapy for heart failure. What assessment does the nurse perform before administering the medication? a. Auscultate the apical pulse rate and heart rhythm. b. Assess for nausea and abdominal distention. c. Auscultate the lungs for crackles. d. Check for increased urine output.
A
A patient is scheduled for valve surgery. Which medication does the nurse advise the patient to discontinue for several days before the procedure? a. Antihypertensives b. Diuretics c. Anticoagulants d. Antibiotics
A
A patient who reports having a sore throat 2 weeks ago now reports chest pain. On physical assessment, the nurse hears a new murmur, pericardial friction rub, and tachycardia. ECG shows a prolonged P-R interval. What condition does the nurse suspect in this patient? a. Rheumatic carditis b. Heart failure c. Cardiomyopathy d. Aortic stenosis
A
A patient with a history of valvular heart disease requires a routine colonoscopy. The nurse notifies the health care provider to obtain a patient prescription for which type of medication? a. Anticoagulants b. Antihypertensives c. Antibiotics d. Antianginals
A
A patient with heart failure has excessive aldosterone secretion and is therefore experiencing thirst and continuously asking for water. What instruction does the nurse give the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? a. Severely restrict fluid to 500 mL plus output from the previous 24 hours. b. Give the patient as much water as desired to prevent dehydration. c. Restrict fluid to a normal 2 L daily, with accurate intake and output. d. Frequently offer the patient ice chips and moistened toothettes.
A
The nurse hears in report that a patient has been diagnosed with mitral insufficiency. Which early symptom is most likely to be first reported by the patient? a. Atypical chest pain b. Chronic weakness c. Anxiety d. Dyspnea
A, B, C, E
The health care provider has ordered an ARB for a patient with heart failure. The parameters are to maintain a systolic blood pressure ranging from 90 to 110 mm Hg. Today the patient has a blood pressure of 110/80 mm Hg, but shows acute confusion. What is the nurse's first priority action? a. Give the medication because blood pressure is within the parameters. b. Call the health care provider about the new onset of confusion. c. Hold the medication and document the new findings. d. Assess the patient for other symptoms of decreased tissue perfusion.
A
The nurse identifies a priority problem of fatigue and weakness for the patient with heart failure. After ambulating 200 feet down the hall, the patient's blood pressure change is more than 20 mm Hg. How does the nurse interpret this data? a. The patient is building endurance. b. The activity is too stressful. c. The patient could walk farther. d. The activity is appropriate.
A
The nurse is assessing the pulses of a patient with valvular disease and finds "bounding" arterial pulses. What is this finding most characteristic of? a. Aortic regurgitation b. Aortic stenosis c. Mitral valve prolapse d. Mitral insufficiency
A
The nurse is reviewing the ECG of a patient on digoxin therapy. What early sign of digitalis toxicity does the nurse look for? a. Tachycardia b. Peaked T wave c. Atrial fibrillation d. Loss of P wave
A
What is the most common problem for the patient with valvular heart disease? a. Reduced cardiac output b. Difficulty coping c. Shortness of breath d. Altered body image
A
Which medication is used to treat rheumatic carditis? a. Antibiotic (penicillin) b. NSAIDs c. Pain medications (opioids) d. Steroids
A
Which test is the best tool for diagnosing heart failure? a. Echocardiography b. Pulmonary artery catheter c. Radionuclide studies d. Multigated angiographic (MUGA) scan
A
Why does the nurse document the precise location of crackles auscultated in the lungs of a patient with heart failure? a. Crackles will eventually change to wheezes as the pulmonary edema worsens. b. The level of the fluid spreads laterally as the pulmonary edema worsens. c. The level of the fluid ascends as the pulmonary edema worsens. d. Crackles will eventually diminish as the pulmonary edema worsens.
A
A patient had an emergency pericardiocentesis for cardiac tamponade. Which nursing interventions are included in the post procedural care of this patient? (Select all that apply.) a. Closely monitor for the recurrence of tamponade. b. Be prepared to provide adequate fluid volumes to increase cardiac output. c. Be prepared to assist in emergency sternotomy if tamponade recurs. d. Administer diuretics to decrease fluid volumes around the heart. e. Send the pericardial effusion specimen to the laboratory for culture.
A, B, C, E
A patient with heart failure has inadequate tissue perfusion. Which nursing interventions are included in the plan of care for this patient? (Select all that apply.) a. Monitor respiratory rate, rhythm, and quality every 1 to 4 hours. b. Auscultate breath sounds every 4 to 8 hours. c. Provide supplemental oxygen to maintain oxygen saturation at 90% or greater. d. Place the patient in a supine position with pillows under each leg. e. Assist the patient in performing coughing and deep-breathing exercises every 2 hours.
A, B, C, E
Which is a characteristic of dilated cardiomyopathy? a. Results from replacement of myocardial tissue with fibrous tissue b. Causes stiff ventricles that restrict filling during diastole c. Causes symptoms of left ventricular failure d. Causes a stiff left ventricle
A, B, C, E
Based on the etiology and the main cause of heart failure, which patient has the greatest need for health promotion measures to prevent heart failure? a. Alzheimer's patient b. Patient with cystitis c. Patient with asthma d. Patient with hypertension
A, B, C, E, F
The nurse is assessing a patient with left-sided heart failure. Which assessment findings does the nurse expect to see in this patient? (Select all that apply.) a. Displacement of the apical impulse to the left b. S3 heart sound c. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea d. Jugular venous distention e. Oliguria during the day f. Wheezes or crackles
A, B, C, E, F
The effects of hyperglycemia in diabetes can result in which conditions? (Select all that apply.) a. Intimal arterial damage b. Severe atherosclerosis c. Decreased cardiac output d. Premature atherosclerosis e. Decreased total peripheral vascular resistance
A, B, D
A patient is at risk for heart failure, but currently has no official medical diagnosis. While assessing the patient's lungs, the nurse hears profuse fine crackles. What does the nurse do next? a. Report the finding to the health care provider. b. Document the finding as a baseline for later comparison. c. Give the patient low-flow supplemental oxygen. d. Ask the patient to cough and reauscultate the lungs.
A, B, D, E
A patient's bilateral radial pulses are occasionally weak and irregular. Which assessment technique does the nurse use first to investigate this finding? a. Check the color and the capillary refill in the upper extremities. b. Check the peripheral pulses in the lower extremities. c. Take the apical pulse for 1 minute, noting any irregularity in heart rhythm. d. Check the cardiac monitor for irregularities in rhythm.
A, B, D, E
An African-American man is being seen for a right toe blister. What factors increase this patient's risk for developing atherosclerosis? (Select all that apply.) a. 20 year history of Type 1 diabetes b. Sedentary lifestyle c. Father with history of colon cancer35 pounds overweight d. Grandmother who died after myocardial infarction
A, B, D, E
Which descriptions accurately characterize restrictive cardiomyopathy? (Select all that apply.) a. Prognosis is poor. b. Symptoms are similar to left-or right sided heart failure. c. Some patients die without any symptoms. d. It is the most common type of cardiomyopathy. e. It is the rarest of cardiomyopathies.
A, B, E
A patient with aortic valve endocarditis reports fatigue and shortness of breath. Crackles are heard on lung auscultation. What do these assessment findings most likely indicate? a. Emboli to the lung b. Valve incompetence resulting in heart failure c. Valve stenosis resulting in increased chamber size d. Coronary artery disease
A, C, D, E
The cause of dilated cardiomyopathy may include which factors? (Select all that apply.) a. Alcohol abuse b. Sedentary lifestyle c. Infection d. Chemotherapy e. Poor nutrition
A, C, D, E
Which patients are at greatest risk of developing infective endocarditis? (Select all that apply.) a. IV drug user b. Patient with a myocardial infarction c. Patient with a prosthetic mitral valve replacement, postoperative d. Patient with mitral stenosis who recently had an abscessed tooth removed e. Older adult patient with urinary tract infection and valve damage f. Patient with cardiac dysrhythmias
A, C, D, E
A patient is admitted for pericarditis. In order to assist the patient to feel more comfortable, what does the nurse instruct the patient to do? a. Sit in a semi-Fowler's position with pillows under the arms. b. Lie on the side in a fetal position. c. Sit up and lean forward. d. Lie down and bend the legs at the knees.
A, C, E
The nurse is reviewing the ECG of a patient admitted for acute pericarditis. Which ECG change does the nurse anticipate? a. Normal ECG b. ST-T spiking c. Peaked T waves d. Wide QRS complexes
A, C, E
A patient is admitted with a vascular problem. Based on the pathophysiology of systemic arterial pressure, what is the systemic arterial pressure a product of? (Select all that apply.) a. Cardiac output b. Peripheral vascular volume c. Preload d. Peripheral vascular resistance e. Diastolic blood pressure
A, D
An older adult patient with heart failure is volume-depleted and has a low sodium level. The health care provider has ordered valsartan (Diovan), an angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB). After the initial dose, for what complication does the nurse carefully monitor in this patient? a. Hypotension b. Cough c. Fluid retention d. Chest pain
A, D, E
Which interventions-are effective for a patient with a potential for pulmonary edema caused by heart failure? (Select all that apply.) a. Sodium and fluid restriction b. Slow infusion of hypotonic saline c. Administration of potassium d. Administration of loop diuretics e. Position in semi-Fowler's to high-Fowler's position f. Weekly weight monitoring
A, D, E
The nurse is assessing a patient who has received a heart transplant. Which clinical manifestations suggest transplant rejection? (Select all that apply.) a. Shortness of breath b. Depression c. Severe abdominal pain d. New bradycardia e. Hypotension f. Decreased ejection fraction
A, D, E, F
The nurse is interviewing a patient with a history of high blood pressure and heart problems. Which statement by the patient causes the nurse to suspect the patient may have heart failure? a. "I noticed a very fine red rash on my chest" b. "I had to take off my wedding ring last week" c. "I've had fever quite frequently" d. "I have pain in my shoulder when 1 cough"
B
A patient gets a new prescription for Pravigard for treatment of high cholesterol. Because this is a combination drug, the nurse alerts the physician when the patient discloses an allergy to which drug? a. Sulfa b. Aspirin c. Some calcium channel blockers d. Some diuretics
B
A patient is a candidate for a xenograft valve. The nurse emphasizes that this type of valve does not require anticoagulant therapy, but will require which intervention? a. Replacement in about 7 to 10 years b. An exercise program to develop collateral circulation c. Daily temperature checks to watch for signs of rejection d. Frequent monitoring for pulmonary edema
B
A patient is admitted for possible infective endocarditis. Which test does the nurse anticipate will be performed to confirm a positive diagnosis? a. CT scan b. MRI c. Blood cultures d. Echocardiogram
B
A patient is admitted to the unit with assessment findings that include substernal pain that radiates to the left shoulder. The pain is described by the patient as grating, and is worse with inspiration and coughing. What likely is the cause of this patient's symptoms? a. Chronic constrictive pericarditis b. Cardiac tamponade c. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy d. Acute pericarditis
B
A patient is diagnosed with new-onset infective endocarditis. Which recent procedure is the patient most likely to report? a. Teeth cleaning b. Urinary bladder catheterization c. Chest radiography d. ECG
B
A patient who was admitted for newly diagnosed heart failure is now being discharged. The nurse instructs the patient and family on how to manage heart failure at home. What major self-management categories should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.) a. Medications b. Weight c. Heart transplants d. Activity e. Diet
B
A patient with a prosthetic valve replacement must understand that postoperative care will include lifelong therapy with which type of medication? a. Antibiotics b. Anticoagulants c. Immunosuppressants d. Pain medication
B
Assessment findings for a patient with acute pericarditis indicate neck vein distention, clear lungs, muffled heart sounds, tachycardia, tachypnea, and a greater than 10 mm Hg difference in systolic pressure on inspiration than on expiration. What is the nurse's first response to these assessment findings? a. Continue to monitor the patient; these are normal signs of pericarditis. b. Administer oxygen and immediately report the findings to the health care provider. c. Monitor oxygen saturation and seek order for pain medication to control symptoms. d. Check ECG, administer morphine for pain, and administer diuretics.
B
The home health nurse is evaluating a patient being treated for heart failure. Which statement by the patient is the best indicator of hope and well-being as a desired psychological outcome? a. "I'm taking the medication and following the doctor's orders" b. "I'm looking forward to dancing with my wife on our wedding anniversary" c. "I'm planning to go on a long trip; I'll never go back to the hospital again" d. "I want to thank you for all that you have done. I know you did your best"
B
The nurse educates and advises a patient to follow the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet. Which instruction does the nurse give to the patient? a. Review the literature and see what aspects of the program fit into the patient's current lifestyle. b. Return for serum cholesterol levels at 6 and 12 weeks after starting the diet. c. Record dietary intake and weight for 12 weeks and then call the physician. d. Weigh self once a week for 6 weeks and consult the physician if not losing weight.
B
The nurse is caring for a patient who had a valvuloplasty. The nurse monitors for which common complication in the post procedural period? a. Myocardial infarction b. Angina c. Bleeding and emboli d. Infection
B
The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a patient whose chief complaint is dyspnea. Which diagnostic test best differentiates between heart failure and lung dysfunction? a. Arterial blood gas b. B- type natriuretic peptide c. Hemoglobin and hematocrit d. Serum electrolytes
B
The nurse is teaching a patient about the treatment regimen for heart failure. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further instruction? a. "I must weigh myself once a month and watch for fluid retention" b. "If my heart feels like it is racing, I should call the doctor" c. "I'll need to consider my activities for the day and rest as needed" d. "I'll need periods of rest and activity, and I should avoid activity after meals"
B
The nursing student is assisting in the care of a patient with advanced right-sided heart failure. In addition to bringing a stethoscope, what additional piece of equipment does the student bring in order to assess this patient? a. Tape measure b. Glasgow coma scale c. Portable Doppler d. Bladder ultrasound scanner
B
The surgical noninvasive intervention of a balloon valvuloplasty is often used for which type of patient? a. Young adults with a genetic valve defect b. Older adults who are nonsurgical candidates c. Adults whose open-heart surgery failed d. Older adults who need replacement valves
B
What is the common treatment for rheumatic carditis? a. Pericardiocentesis b. Antibiotics for 10 days c. Pain medication for substernal pain control d. Rest with observation for further necessary treatment
B
What is the definitive treatment for a patient with chronic constrictive pericarditis? a. Antibiotic therapy b. Surgical excision of the pericardium c. Administration of beta blockers and cortico steroids d. Pericardiocentesis
B
What is the expected outcome for the collaborative problem potential for pulmonary edema? a. No dysrhythmias b. Clear lung sounds c. Less fatigue d. No disorientation
B
When is B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) produced and released for a patient with heart failure? a. When a patient has an enlarged liver b. When a patient has fluid overload c. When a patient's ejection fraction is lower than normal d. When a patient has ventricular hypertrophy
B
Which characteristics describe mitral valve stenosis? (Select all that apply.) a. Classic signs of dyspnea, angina, and syncope b. Rumbling apical diastolic murmur c. S3 often present due to severe regurgitation d. Right-sided failure results in neck vein distention e. The patient may experience palpitations while lying on left side
B
Which treatment intervention applies to a patient with infective endocarditis? a. Administration of oral penicillin for 6 weeks or more b. Hospitalization for initial IV antibiotics, possibly with a central line c. Complete bedrest for the duration of treatment d. Long-term anticoagulation therapy with heparin
B
A patient is diagnosed with moderate mitral valve stenosis. Which findings is the nurse most likely to encounter during the physical assessment of this patient? (Select all that apply.) a. Dyspnea on exertion b. Orthopnea c. Palpitations d. Asymptomatic e. Neck vein distention
B, C, D
The patient has endocarditis. Which findings does the nurse expect when assessing this patient? (Select all that apply.) a. Pericardial friction rub b. Osler's nodes c. Petechiae d. A new regurgitant murmur e. Grating pain that is aggravated by breathing
B, C, D
Which characteristic describes mitral valve prolapse? (Select all that apply.) a. Hepatomegaly is a late sign. b. Leaflets enlarge and fall back into left atrium during systole. c. Most patients are asymptomatic. d. Patients have normal heart rate and blood pressure. e. Mitral valve prolapse is becoming a disorder of aging populations.
B, C, D
Which factors can increase systemic arterial pressure? (Select all that apply.) a. Decreased cardiac output b. Increased heart rate c. Increased peripheral vascular resistance d. Increased stroke volume e. Decreased blood pressure
B, C, D
A patient comes to the ED extremely anxious, tachycardic, struggling for air, and with a moist cough productive of frothy, blood-tinged sputum. What is the priority nursing intervention? a. Apply a pulse oximeter and cardiac monitor. b. Administer high-flow oxygen therapy via facemask. c. Prepare for continuous positive airway pressure ventilation. d. Prepare for intubation and mechanical ventilation.
C
A patient has an ejection fraction of less than 30%. The nurse prepares to provide patient education about which potential treatment? a. Automatic implantable cardio-defibrillator b. Heart transplant c. Mechanical implanted pump d. Ventricular reconstructive procedures
C
A patient has recently been diagnosed with acute heart failure. Which medication order does the nurse question? a. Dobutamine (Dobutrex), a beta-adrenergic agonist b. Milrinone (Primacor), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor c. Levosimendan (Simdax), a positive inotropic d. Carvedilol (Coreg), a beta blocker
C
A patient is admitted for heart failure and has edema, neck vein distention, and ascites. What is the most reliable way to monitor fluid gain or loss in this patient? a. Check for pitting edema in the dependent body parts. b. Auscultate the lungs for crackles or wheezing. c. Assess skin turgor and the condition of mucous membranes. d. Weigh the patient daily at the same time with the same scale.
C
A patient is treated for acute pulmonary edema. Which medications does the nurse prepare to administer to this patient? (Select all that apply.) a. Sublingual nitroglycerin b. IV Lasix c. IV morphine sulfate d. IV beta blocker e. IV nitroglycerin
C
A patient may die without any symptoms from which type of cardiomyopathy? a. Dilated cardiomyopathy b. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy c. Restrictive cardiomyopathy d. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
C
An older adult patient is taking digoxin for treatment of heart failure. What is the priority nursing action for this patient related to the medication therapy? a. Give the medication in conjunction with an antacid. b. Keep the patient on the cardiac monitor and observe for ventricular dysrhythmias. c. Check that the dose is in the lowest possible range for therapeutic effect. d. Advise the patient that there is increased mortality related to toxicity.
C
During assessment of a patient with heart failure, the nurse notes that the patient's pulses alternate in strength. What does this assessment indicate to the nurse? a. Pulsus paradoxus b. Orthostatic hypotension c. Hypotension d. Pulsus alternans
C
In what way does arterial embolization to the brain manifest itself in a patient with infective endocarditis? a. Dysarthria b. Dysphagia c. Atelectasis d. Electrolyte imbalances
C
Long-term anticoagulant therapy for a patient with valvular heart disease and chronic atrial fibrillation includes which drug? a. Heparin sodium b. Warfarin sodium (Coumadin) c. Diltiazem (Cardizem) d. Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
C
The health care provider recommends to a patient that diagnostic testing be performed to assess for valvular heart disease. The nurse teaches the patient about which test that is commonly used for this purpose? a. Echocardiography b. Electrocardiography c. Exercise testing d. Thallium scanning
C
The night shift nurse is listening to report and hears that a patient has paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. What does the nurse plan to do next? a. Instruct the patient to sleep in a side-lying position and then check on the patient every 2 hours to help with switching sides. b. Make the patient comfortable in a bedside recliner with several pillows to keep the patient more upright throughout the night. c. Check on the patient several hours after bedtime and assist the patient to sit upright and dangle the feet when dyspnea occurs. d. Check the patient frequently because the patient has insomnia due to a fear of suffocation
C
The nurse assesses a patient and notes red, flat, pinpoint spots on the mucous membranes. Which finding has the nurse assessed? a. Pericardial friction rub b. Splinter hemorrhages c. Petechiae d. Systemic emboli
C
The nurse is assessing a patient at risk for valvular disease and finds pitting edema. This finding is a sign for which type of valvular disease? a. Mitral valve stenosis and insufficiency b. Aortic valve stenosis and insufficiency c. Tricuspid valve prolapse d. Mitral valve prolapse
C
The nurse is assessing a patient with right sided heart failure. Which assessment findings does the nurse expect to see in this patient? (Select all that apply.) a. Dependent edema b. Weight loss c. Polyuria at night d. Hypotension e. Hepatomegaly f. Angina
C
The nurse is giving discharge instructions to a patient who had valve surgery. Which home care instructions does the nurse include in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply.) a. Increase consumption of foods high in vitamin K. b. Use an electric razor to avoid skin cuts. c. Report any bleeding or excessive bruising. d. Watch for and report any fever, drainage, or redness at the site. e. Avoid heavy lifting for 3 to 6 months. f. Report dyspnea, syncope, dizziness, edema, and palpitations.
C
The patient has excess fluid in the pericardial cavity seen on echo cardiogram. For which complication is the patient at increased risk? a. Pericardial friction rub b. Pulsus paradoxus c. Cardiac tamponade d. Systemic emboli
C
What is the most common preventable cause of valvular heart disease? a. Congenital disease or malformation b. Calcium deposits and thrombus formation c. Beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection d. Hypertension or Marfan syndrome
C
Which definition best describes left-sided heart failure? a. Increased volume and pressure develop and result in peripheral edema. b. Can occur when cardiac output remains normal or above normal. c. Decreased tissue perfusion from poor cardiac output and pulmonary congestion from increased pressure in the pulmonary vessels. d. Percentage of blood ejected from the heart during systole.
C
Which patient is at greatest risk for developing viral pericarditis? a. 35-year-old woman with tuberculosis b. 45-year-old man who has had radiation therapy for lung cancer c. 30-year-old man with a respiratory infection d. 50-year-old woman with chest trauma
C
Which type of cardiomyopathy results from replacement of myocardial tissue with fibrous and fatty tissue? a. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy b. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy c. Dilated cardiomyopathy d. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
C
Which laboratory test does the nurse monitor for potential cardiac problems and digoxin toxicity? a. Complete blood count b. BUN and creatinine level c. Serum potassium level d. PT and International Normalized Ratio (INR)
D
A patient is prescribed bumetanide (Bumex).What is an important teaching point for the nurse to include about this medication? a. Caution to move slowly when changing positions, especially from lying to sitting b. Information about potassium-rich foods to include in the diet c. Written instructions on how to count the radial pulse rate d. Information about low-sodium diets and reading food labels for sodium content
C, D, E, F
The nurse is teaching a patient with heart failure about signs and symptoms that suggest a return or worsening of heart failure. What does the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. Rapid weight loss of 3 lbs. in a week b. Increase in exercise tolerance lasting 2 to 3 days c. Cold symptoms (cough) lasting more than 3 to 5 days d. Excessive awakening at night to urinate e. Development of dyspnea or angina at rest or worsening angina f. Increased swelling in the feet, ankles, or hands
C, D, E, F
Which signs/symptoms occur with chronic constrictive pericarditis? (Select all that apply.) a. Pericardium becomes rigid b. Heart valves stiffen c. Ventricles inadequately fill d. Signs of left-sided heart failure appear e. Heart failure eventually occurs
D
A patient is prescribed atorvastatin (Lipitor).The nurse instructs the patient to watch for and report which side effect? a. Nausea and vomiting b. Cough c. Headaches d. Muscle cramps
D
A patient is prescribed diuretics for treatment of heart failure. Because of this therapy, the nurse pays particular attention to which laboratory test level? a. Peak and trough of medication b. Serum potassium c. Serum sodium d. Prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
D
A patient is receiving an infusion of nesiritide (Natrecor) for treatment of heart failure. What is the priority nursing assessment while administering this medication? a. Monitor for hypotension. b. Assess for cardiac dysrhythmias. c. Observe for respiratory depression. d. Monitor for peripheral vasoconstriction.
D
A patient's cholesterol screening shows a high density lipoprotein (HDL) value greater than 40, and a total serum cholesterol level of 188. The patient has no other cardiac or vascular risk factors. What does the nurse advise the patient to do? a. Modify the diet to exclude fats and increase fiber, then repeat tests. b. Contact the physician for a prescription of antilipemic medication. c. Repeat total and HDL cholesterol testing in 6 to 12 weeks. d. Repeat total and HDL cholesterol testing during the next routine exam.
D
The nurse is assessing a patient with pericarditis. In order to hear a pericardial friction rub, which technique does the nurse use? a. Place the diaphragm at the apex of the heart. b. Place the diaphragm at the left lower sternal border. c. Place the bell just below the left clavicle. d. Place the bell at several points while the patient holds his or her breath.
D
The nurse is conducting dietary teaching with a patient. Which statement by the patient indicates an understanding of fat sources and the need to limit saturated fats? a. "Coconut oil has a rich flavor and is a good cooking oil" b. "Sunflower oil is high in saturated fats, so I should avoid it" c. "Meat and eggs mostly contain unsaturated fats" d. "Canola oil has monounsaturated fat and is recommended"
D
The nurse is reviewing diagnostic test results for a patient who is hypertensive. Which laboratory result is an early warning sign of decreased heart compliance, and prompts the nurse to immediately notify the health care provider? a. Normal B-type natriuretic peptide b. Decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit c. Elevated thyroxine (T4) d. Presence of micro albuminuria
D
The nurse is taking a history on a patient recently diagnosed with heart failure. The patient admits to "sometimes having trouble catching my breath" but is unable to provide more specific details. What question does the nurse ask to gather more data about the patient's symptoms? a. "Do you have any medical problems, such as high blood pressure?" b. "What did your doctor tell you about your diagnosis?" c. "What was your most strenuous activity in the past week?" d. "How do you feel about being told that you have heart failure?"
D
What is an early sign of left ventricular failure that a patient-is most likely to report? a. Nocturia b. Weight gain c. Swollen legs d. Nocturnal coughing
D
When heart failure develops, what is the initial compensatory mechanism of the heart that maintains cardiac output? a. Sympathetic stimulation b. Parasympathetic stimulation c. Renin-angiotensin activation system (RAAS) d. Myocardial hypertrophy
D
