Question 1

The nurse takes the BP of a patient with a result of 120/80 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer

A) Document the finding as normal. 
B) Notify the HCP. 
C) Instruct the patient to follow a salt-free diet. 
D) Prepare to administer a bolus of normal saline IV.

Question 2

The nurse is explaining the regulation of blood pressure (BP) to a patient newly diagnosed with hypertension. What tissues within the artery wall that helps maintain diastolic BP should the nurse identify for the patient?

Accepted Answer

A) Smooth muscle and elastic connective tissue 
B) Smooth muscle and simple squamous epithelium 
C) Elastic connective tissue and fibrous connective tissue 
D) Fibrous connective tissue and simple squamous epithelium

Question 3

The nurse notes that a patient's lower legs are brown and the feet are blue when they are in the dependent position. For which health problem should the nurse collect additional data?

Accepted Answer

A) Anemia 
B) Insufficient oxygenation 
C) Decreased arterial blood flow 
D) Venous blood flow problems

Question 4

The nurse is caring for a patient recovering from a cardiac catheterization. Which action should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer

A) Force 1,000 mL of fluid per hour. 
B) Keep patient NPO until gag reflex is present. 
C) Encourage the patient to drink plenty of liquids. 
D) Hold fluid intake for 2 hours after the procedure.

Question 5

While collecting data, a patient expectorates pink, frothy sputum. Which health problem should the nurse consider is occurring in this patient?

Accepted Answer

A) Gastritis 
B) Pneumonia 
C) Heart failure 
D) Hepatic failure

Question 6

The nurse is assessing a patient and notices the radial pulse has fewer beats than the apical pulse. Which action should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer

A) Document the finding as normal. 
B) Encourage the patient to ambulate and recheck. 
C) Notify the health care provider (HCP). 
D) Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake.

Question 7

The nurse is caring for a patient who had a cardiac catheterization using the left femoral site for entry. Which data is most important for the nurse to monitor?

Accepted Answer

A) Pupil reaction 
B) Left pedal pulse 
C) Orientation status 
D) Right foot sensation

Question 8

A patient has sustained damage to the sinoatrial (SA) node. Which heart rates indicate that the patient's atrioventricular (AV) node has taken over as the pacemaker for the heart? 1.10 to 20

Accepted Answer

A) 20 to 35 
B) 40 to 60 
C) 80 to 100

Question 9

The nurse instructs a patient on beverages to avoid when taking the prescribed medication warfarin (Coumadin). Which beverage should the patient state that indicates teaching has been effective?

Accepted Answer

A) Beer 
B) Orange juice 
C) Grapefruit juice 
D) Cranberry juice

Question 10

The nurse is caring for a group of patients. Which patient is at highest risk of death related to cardiovascular disease?

Accepted Answer

A) An African American male who smokes 
B) A Caucasian female who works a high-stress job 
C) A Hispanic female who exercises daily 
D) An Asian male who is vegetarian

Question 11

The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with chest pain and suspected myocardial infarction (MI). Which laboratory value should the nurse expect to see an elevation?

Accepted Answer

A) Ammonia 
B) Glucose 
C) Amylase 
D) Troponin

Exam 21: Cardiovascular System Function, Assessment, and Therapeutic Measures