RN exams cardiovascular practice questions, set 10

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RN exams cardiovascular practice questions set 10

You read heart failure, perfusion, and blood-pressure stems and decide what to do before the patient declines. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the RN exams exam guide or more RN exams practice questions.

Five cardiovascular questions with answers

Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.

Question 1

A laboratory study is conducted to determine the optimal usage of platelets for transfusion. The blood bank inventory along with the transfusion records and medical records of subjects who were recipients of platelet transfusion are reviewed. Which of the following conclusions is most likely to be made from this study?

  1. A. Frozen storage of platelets helps increase the units available.
  2. B. Platelet transfusions are rarely successful in patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia.
  3. C. Platelet units carry no risk for transmission of hepatitis C infection.
  4. D. Pooled donor platelets are preferred over single-donor platelets.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Platelet transfusions are rarely successful in patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia.

Step-by-step rationale for why answer B is correct: 1. Autoimmune thrombocytopenia is a condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys its own platelets. 2. Platelet transfusions in patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia are less likely to be successful due to the underlying immune response. 3. Reviewing transfusion records of subjects with this condition would likely show a pattern of unsuccessful platelet transfusions. 4. This conclusion is supported by medical knowledge and understanding of autoimmune thrombocytopenia. Summary: - Choice A is incorrect because frozen storage of platelets does not necessarily increase units available in the context of the study. - Choice C is incorrect as platelet units can carry a risk of transmission for hepatitis C infection. - Choice D is incorrect as the preference for pooled donor platelets over single-donor platelets is not a conclusion that can be drawn from the study.

Question 2

Which of the oral calcium preparations is often the preparation of choice:

  1. A. Calcium carbonate (40% calcium)
  2. B. Calcium lactate (13% calcium)
  3. C. Calcium phosphate (25% calcium)
  4. D. Calcium citrate (17% calcium)
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Calcium carbonate (40% calcium)

The correct answer is A: Calcium carbonate. It is often the preparation of choice due to its high calcium content (40%). This means that a smaller dose can provide the required amount of elemental calcium compared to other options. Additionally, calcium carbonate is well-absorbed in an acidic environment, making it suitable for individuals with normal gastric acid production. Incorrect choices: B: Calcium lactate has a lower calcium content (13%) compared to calcium carbonate, requiring a higher dose to achieve the same calcium intake. C: Calcium phosphate has a lower calcium content (25%) compared to calcium carbonate, making it less efficient in providing elemental calcium. D: Calcium citrate has a lower calcium content (17%) compared to calcium carbonate and is better absorbed in individuals with low gastric acid production. However, in general, calcium carbonate is preferred for its higher calcium content and cost-effectiveness.

Question 3

A patient is admitted to your acute coronary care unit with the diagnosis of ACS. The nurse has seen ECG changes that are indicative of an anterior wall infarction and is observing the patient for signs/symptoms of complications. The nurse has noted the following vital sign trends: 1100-HR 92, RR 24, BP 140/88, Cardiac rhythm NSR 1115-HR 96, RR 26, BP 128/82, Cardiac rhythm NSR 1130-HR 104, RR 28, BP 102/68, Cardiac rhythm ST 1145-HR 120, RR 32, BP 80/52, Cardiac rhythm ST with frequent PVC's The nurse should be alert for which of the following complications? Choose all that apply.

  1. A. Syncope
  2. B. Pericarditis
  3. C. Cardiogenic shock
  4. D. Cardiac tamponade
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Cardiogenic shock

The correct answer is C - Cardiogenic shock. In this scenario, the vital sign trends indicate a progressive decline in blood pressure (BP) along with an increasing heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR), which are signs of hemodynamic instability. Cardiogenic shock is a serious complication of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's demands. The decreasing BP and increasing HR in this patient suggest a failing cardiac output, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion and subsequent shock. Syncope (choice A) is possible but less likely given the progressive decline in vital signs. Pericarditis (choice B) typically presents with chest pain and ECG changes different from those seen in this case. Cardiac tamponade (choice D) is characterized by Beck's triad (muffled heart sounds, hypotension, and jugular venous distention), which is not evident in the vital sign trends provided.

Question 4

An oncology nurse is providing health education for a patient who has recently been diagnosed with leukemia. What should the nurse explain about commonalities between all of the different subtypes of leukemia?

  1. A. The different leukemias all involve unregulated proliferation of WBC
  2. B. The different leukemias all have unregulated proliferation of red blood cells and decreased bone marrow function.
  3. C. The different leukemias all result in a decrease in the production of white blood cells.
  4. D. The different leukemias all involve the development of cancer in the lymphatic system.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — The different leukemias all involve unregulated proliferation of WBC

The correct answer is A: The different leukemias all involve unregulated proliferation of WBC. Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to the uncontrolled growth of white blood cells. This abnormal proliferation of white blood cells is a common feature across all subtypes of leukemia. Explanation: 1. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. 2. In leukemia, there is uncontrolled proliferation of white blood cells. 3. Different subtypes of leukemia may have specific characteristics, but they all involve the abnormal growth of white blood cells. Summary: Choice B is incorrect because leukemias do not involve unregulated proliferation of red blood cells. Choice C is incorrect because leukemias do not always result in a decrease in white blood cell production. Choice D is incorrect because leukemia is not specifically related to the lymphatic system; it affects the blood and bone marrow.

Question 5

This is a more accurate indicator of tissue perfusion. It represents the cardiac output in terms of liters per minute per square meter of body surface area. Its normal range is 2.4-4 L/min.

  1. A. Cardiac Index
  2. B. Stroke volume
  3. C. Ejection fraction
  4. D. Cardiac output
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Cardiac Index

The correct answer is A: Cardiac Index. Cardiac Index is a more accurate indicator of tissue perfusion as it takes into account the individual's body surface area, providing a more standardized measure. It is calculated by dividing the cardiac output by body surface area. This normalization allows for a more precise assessment of tissue perfusion compared to just cardiac output alone. The normal range of Cardiac Index is 2.4-4 L/min/m^2. Summary: - Choice B (Stroke volume) is incorrect because it is the volume of blood pumped out by the heart with each heartbeat, not accounting for body surface area. - Choice C (Ejection fraction) is incorrect because it is the percentage of blood ejected from the heart's left ventricle with each heartbeat, not adjusted for body surface area. - Choice D (Cardiac output) is incorrect because it doesn't consider the individual's body surface area, making it less accurate in assessing tissue perfusion.

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Question 6

A patient is admitted to your acute coronary care unit with the diagnosis of ACS. The nurse has seen ECG changes that are indicative of an anterior wall infarction and is observing the patient for signs/symptoms of complications. The nurse has noted the following vital sign trends: 1100-HR 92, RR 24, BP 140/88, Cardiac rhythm NSR 1115-HR 96, RR 26, BP 128/82, Cardiac rhythm NSR 1130-HR 104, RR 28, BP 102/68, Cardiac rhythm ST 1145-HR 120, RR 32, BP 80/52, Cardiac rhythm ST with frequent PVC's The nurse should be alert for which of the following complications? Choose all that apply.

  1. A. Syncope
  2. B. Pericarditis
  3. C. Cardiogenic shock
  4. D. Cardiac tamponade
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Question 7

The client is on an ADP receptor blocker for the prevention of recurrent myocardial infarction. What does the nurse expect when the client develops hemorrhaging and a low platelet count?

  1. A. The low platelet count is the anticipated reaction to taking an ADP receptor blocker.
  2. B. The client is taking the ADP receptor blocker with aspirin.
  3. C. The client has developed thrombotic thrombocytopenia.
  4. D. The client is taking too much of the ADP receptor blocker.
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Question 8

The client on nitroglycerin patches reports dizziness when standing up. What is the nurse's best response?

  1. A. Advise the client to rise slowly to prevent dizziness.
  2. B. Instruct the client to discontinue the nitroglycerin patches.
  3. C. Encourage the client to rest and avoid physical activity.
  4. D. Suggest the client take an over-the-counter antiemetic.
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Question 9

The nurse is preparing to discharge a client after CABG surgery. The client is taking several new medications, including digoxin (Lanoxin), metoprolol (Lopressor), and furosemide (Lasix). The client complains of nausea and anorexia. The nurse is preparing to report this finding to the physician before discharging the client. Which laboratory result will the nurse check before calling the physician?

  1. A. Potassium level
  2. B. Sodium level
  3. C. PT / INR
  4. D. Digoxin level
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Question 10

Which of the following is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing?

  1. A. Asthma
  2. B. Bronchitis
  3. C. Pneumonia
  4. D. Emphysema
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Question 11

A healthy 17-year-old African American male presents with a thrombosis of the right upper extremity. His past medical history is remarkable only for sickle cell trait. The history is negative for recent risk factors for thrombosis (illness, surgery, immobility). He is the pitcher for his high school baseball team. Imaging confirms anatomical compression/narrowing of the right subclavian vein. Which of the following interventions is most likely to decrease this patient's long-term risk of recurrent thrombosis?

  1. A. Systemic thrombolysis
  2. B. Catheter-directed thrombolysis
  3. C. Extended 12-month course of anticoagulation with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH)
  4. D. Resection of right first rib
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Question 12

Which treatment should a nurse identify as most appropriate for clients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

  1. A. Long-term treatment with diazepam (Valium).
  2. B. Acute symptom control with citalopram (Celexa).
  3. C. Long-term treatment with buspirone (BuSpar).
  4. D. Acute symptom control with ziprasidone (Geodon).
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Question 13

A nurse explains to a patient undergoing diagnostic testing that which brain imaging technique measures brain structure?

  1. A. Computed tomography (CT)
  2. B. Positron emission tomography (PET)
  3. C. Brain electrical activity mapping (BEAM)
  4. D. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
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Question 14

A newborn male has severe bleeding after circumcision, resulting in the need for a blood transfusion. You are called to consult on this child, and you diagnose him with severe hemophilia A. Upon taking a family history, you note that no other family members have hemophilia, other bleeding disorders, or a bleeding diathesis. Which of the following is the most likely outcome of genotyping the Factor VIII gene?

  1. A. No mutation will be found because there is no family history.
  2. B. A missense mutation in the F8 gene will be identified.
  3. C. An inversion mutation in the F8 gene will be identified.
  4. D. A nonsense mutation in the F8 gene will be found.
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Question 15

This is a more accurate indicator of tissue perfusion. It represents the cardiac output in terms of liters per minute per square meter of body surface area. Its normal range is 2.4-4 L/min.

  1. A. Cardiac Index
  2. B. Stroke volume
  3. C. Ejection fraction
  4. D. Cardiac output
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

About these RN exams cardiovascular questions

RN exams cardiovascular practice questions, set 10 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

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