RN exams cardiovascular practice questions, set 14
RN exams · cardiovascular
RN exams cardiovascular practice questionsset 14
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 patient with a history of depression reports not feeling well rested in recent weeks. Before making the assumption that the complaint is related to depression, a nurse should investigate whether the patient has had any recent changes in:
A. work schedule that affect the hours of sleep.
B. vacations taken within the same time zone.
C. fluid intake with reduced overall intake of water.
D. food intake with decreased intake of heavy foods before bedtime.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — work schedule that affect the hours of sleep.
The correct answer is A: work schedule that affect the hours of sleep. This is because changes in work schedule can directly impact the amount and quality of sleep a person gets, leading to feelings of not being well-rested. Investigating this factor is important before assuming the complaint is solely related to depression.
Choice B: vacations taken within the same time zone, is incorrect as vacations within the same time zone should not significantly affect sleep patterns unless there are other factors involved.
Choice C: fluid intake with reduced overall intake of water, is incorrect because while hydration is important for overall health, it is less likely to be the primary cause of not feeling well-rested.
Choice D: food intake with decreased intake of heavy foods before bedtime, is incorrect as while diet can impact sleep quality, it is less likely to be the primary cause of feeling not well-rested in this case.
Question 2
When a patient diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia was discharged from the unit 6 months ago, the plan was for him to take chlorpromazine (Thorazine), a conventional (first generation) antipsychotic medication, 300 mg po daily. He tells the nurse he stopped taking his pills after a few months because they made him feel like a “zombie.” What other common side effects should the nurse determine if the patient experienced?
A. Sweating, nausea, and weight gain
B. Sedation, tremor, and muscle stiffness
C. Headache, watery eyes, and runny nose
D. Mild fever, sore throat, and skin rash
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Sedation, tremor, and muscle stiffness
The correct answer is B: Sedation, tremor, and muscle stiffness. This is because chlorpromazine, a first-generation antipsychotic like Thorazine, commonly causes sedation, tremors, and muscle stiffness as side effects. Sedation is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications, leading to feelings of drowsiness or fatigue. Tremors can manifest as involuntary shaking or trembling of the hands or other body parts. Muscle stiffness, also known as extrapyramidal symptoms, can cause rigidity and difficulty moving smoothly. These side effects are typical with first-generation antipsychotics due to their mechanism of action on the central nervous system.
The other choices are incorrect:
A: Sweating, nausea, and weight gain are not typically associated with chlorpromazine or first-generation antipsychotics.
C: Headache, watery eyes, and runny nose are not common side effects of chlorpromazine.
D: Mild fever, sore throat, and
Question 3
An 18-year old male patient presents with bruising, fatigue, and diffuse extremity pain. He is noted to be tachypneic and hypoxic and has a diffuse interstitial infiltrate on chest x-ray. CBC reveals a WBC count of 285,000/mm3 (85% myeloblasts, with monocytic morphology), hemoglobin of 7.9 g/dL, and platelet count of 36,000/mm3. What is the most likely cause of the infiltrate and respiratory symptoms and the most appropriate initial treatment?
A. Hyperleukocytosis; initiation of induction chemotherapy
B. Hyperleukocytosis; leukapheresis or manual exchange transfusion and initiation of induction chemotherapy
C. COVID-19 infection; convalescent plasma and prednisone
D. Pneumococcal pneumonia; vancomycin
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Hyperleukocytosis; leukapheresis or manual exchange transfusion and initiation of induction chemotherapy
The correct answer is B. The patient's presentation with tachypnea, hypoxia, and diffuse interstitial infiltrate on chest x-ray suggests leukostasis syndrome due to hyperleukocytosis. The extremely high WBC count of 285,000/mm3 with myeloblasts indicates acute myeloid leukemia. Leukapheresis or manual exchange transfusion is needed to rapidly reduce the number of leukemic blasts in circulation to prevent complications like tissue hypoxia. Initiation of induction chemotherapy is essential for long-term management of AML.
Choice A is incorrect because induction chemotherapy alone may not rapidly reduce the WBC count in cases of leukostasis. Choice C is incorrect as the patient's clinical scenario is not consistent with COVID-19 infection, and convalescent plasma is not indicated for leukostasis. Choice D is incorrect as the patient's symptoms are not typical for pneumococcal pneumonia, and vancomycin is not the initial
Question 4
NADPH is a product of the hexose monophosphate pathway (HMP) in the red blood cell. The NADPH is used for the
A. Synthesis of fatty acids
B. Reduction of glutathione
C. Formation of ATP
D. Removal of oxygen radicals
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Reduction of glutathione
The correct answer is B: Reduction of glutathione. In the hexose monophosphate pathway (HMP), NADPH is generated, which serves as a reducing agent. This NADPH is crucial for reducing oxidized glutathione back to its reduced form, maintaining cellular antioxidant defense. This process helps to protect cells from oxidative damage and maintain redox balance.
Now, let's summarize why the other choices are incorrect:
A: Synthesis of fatty acids - NADPH is indeed involved in fatty acid synthesis, but in the context of red blood cells, the primary role of NADPH is in reducing glutathione.
C: Formation of ATP - NADPH is not directly involved in ATP synthesis. ATP is primarily produced through processes like glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation.
D: Removal of oxygen radicals - While NADPH indirectly contributes to the removal of oxygen radicals through its role in reducing glutathione, it is not the primary function of NAD
Question 5
When caring for a patient who is recovering from a sudden cardiac death (SCD) event and has no evidence of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the nurse will anticipate teaching the patient that
A. sudden cardiac death events rarely reoccur.
B. additional diagnostic testing will be required.
C. long-term anticoagulation therapy will be needed.
D. limiting physical activity will prevent future SCD events.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — additional diagnostic testing will be required.
The correct answer is B because after a sudden cardiac death (SCD) event without evidence of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), additional diagnostic testing is needed to determine the underlying cause and assess the risk of recurrence. This testing may include cardiac imaging, electrophysiological studies, and genetic testing. By identifying the specific cause, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans to prevent future SCD events.
A: This is incorrect because the risk of SCD recurrence can vary based on the underlying cause and individual patient factors.
C: Long-term anticoagulation therapy is not typically indicated for SCD without evidence of AMI unless there is a specific indication such as atrial fibrillation or a clotting disorder.
D: Limiting physical activity alone is not a comprehensive strategy for preventing future SCD events; individualized recommendations should be based on diagnostic findings.
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Question 6
What term describes the phenomenon wherein decreased BP causes a reflex SNS response with increased pulse, increased contractility, and vasoconstriction; and increased BP causes reflex vagal responses resulting in decreased heart rate and passive vasodilation in the systemic arterioles?
A. Baroreflex
B. Cheyne-Stokes breathing
C. Frank-Starling Law
D. Starling reflex
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Baroreflex. The baroreflex is a physiological mechanism that helps regulate blood pressure by responding to changes in pressure. When blood pressure decreases, the baroreceptors detect this change and trigger a sympathetic nervous system (SNS) response, leading to increased heart rate, contractility, and vasoconstriction to raise blood pressure. Conversely, when blood pressure increases, the baroreceptors trigger a parasympathetic (vagal) response, resulting in decreased heart rate and vasodilation to lower blood pressure.
Summary of other choices:
B: Cheyne-Stokes breathing is a pattern of breathing characterized by periodic waxing and waning of tidal volume.
C: Frank-Starling Law describes the relationship between preload and stroke volume, not the response to changes in blood pressure.
D: Starling reflex is not a recognized physiological mechanism related to blood pressure regulation.
An 18-year old male patient presents with bruising, fatigue, and diffuse extremity pain. He is noted to be tachypneic and hypoxic and has a diffuse interstitial infiltrate on chest x-ray. CBC reveals a WBC count of 285,000/mm3 (85% myeloblasts, with monocytic morphology), hemoglobin of 7.9 g/dL, and platelet count of 36,000/mm3. What is the most likely cause of the infiltrate and respiratory symptoms and the most appropriate initial treatment?
A. Hyperleukocytosis; initiation of induction chemotherapy
B. Hyperleukocytosis; leukapheresis or manual exchange transfusion and initiation of induction chemotherapy
C. COVID-19 infection; convalescent plasma and prednisone
D. Pneumococcal pneumonia; vancomycin
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B. The patient's presentation with tachypnea, hypoxia, and diffuse interstitial infiltrate on chest x-ray suggests leukostasis syndrome due to hyperleukocytosis. The extremely high WBC count of 285,000/mm3 with myeloblasts indicates acute myeloid leukemia. Leukapheresis or manual exchange transfusion is needed to rapidly reduce the number of leukemic blasts in circulation to prevent complications like tissue hypoxia. Initiation of induction chemotherapy is essential for long-term management of AML.
Choice A is incorrect because induction chemotherapy alone may not rapidly reduce the WBC count in cases of leukostasis. Choice C is incorrect as the patient's clinical scenario is not consistent with COVID-19 infection, and convalescent plasma is not indicated for leukostasis. Choice D is incorrect as the patient's symptoms are not typical for pneumococcal pneumonia, and vancomycin is not the initial
A 75-year-old individual is admitted with a diagnosis of left-sided heart failure and is administered Lasix 80 mg by slow IV push. Which nursing assessment indicates that the Lasix (furosemide) is NOT having the desired effect?
A. Oliguria
B. Decrease in blood pressure
C. Absence of crackles
D. Polydipsia
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Oliguria. Oliguria is the decreased urine output, which is an indicator of inadequate response to Lasix in heart failure. Lasix is a diuretic used to reduce fluid overload in heart failure by promoting diuresis. In this case, a decrease in urine output suggests that the medication is not effectively removing excess fluid.
For the other choices:
B: Decrease in blood pressure - This could be an expected effect of Lasix as it helps reduce fluid volume and can lead to a decrease in blood pressure.
C: Absence of crackles - This indicates reduced pulmonary congestion, which is a desired effect of Lasix in heart failure.
D: Polydipsia - Increased thirst (polydipsia) is not directly related to the effectiveness of Lasix in treating heart failure.
In summary, the presence of oliguria indicates inadequate response to Lasix, while the decrease in blood pressure, absence of crackles, and polydips
Which of the following statements is TRUE about the symbolic politics of cannabis in colonial Jamaica?
A. The suppression of marijuana (‘kaya’) in colonial Jamaica was seen by both authorities and working class Jamaicans as a way of keeping down the Rastafarians, who were perceived as a threat to colonial social stability.
B. Bob Marley was a major figure of the Rasta anti-colonial movement who fought for Jamaican independence.
C. Cannabis was widely smoked by both working class and middle class Jamaicans, but colonial authorities only objected to its use by the working class.
D. The trade union movement arose as a popular movement to educate Jamaicans about the harms of cannabis use because it was having a negative effect on worker productivity.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A because the suppression of marijuana in colonial Jamaica was indeed a way to oppress the Rastafarians, who were seen as a threat to colonial social stability. Rastafarians viewed marijuana (kaya) as a sacrament and a key element of their spiritual practice. Authorities perceived Rastafarians as rebellious and subversive due to their anti-colonial beliefs, hence the crackdown on marijuana.
Choice B is incorrect because while Bob Marley was associated with the Rastafarian movement and advocated for Jamaican independence, the question specifically focuses on the symbolic politics of cannabis.
Choice C is incorrect as colonial authorities objected to cannabis use across all classes, not just the working class.
Choice D is incorrect as the trade union movement in Jamaica did not specifically arise to educate about the harms of cannabis but rather focused on workers' rights and labor issues.
The principal mechanism of phentolamine-induced tachycardia is:
A. Antagonism of presynaptic alfa2 receptors enhances norepinephrine release which causes cardiac stimulation via unblocked beta receptors
B. Baroreflex mechanism
C. Direct effect on the heart by stimulation of beta1 receptors
D. Inhibition of transmitter reuptake at noradrenergic synapses
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A because phentolamine is an alpha-adrenergic antagonist that blocks presynaptic alpha2 receptors. By inhibiting these receptors, it increases norepinephrine release, leading to stimulation of unblocked beta receptors on the heart, resulting in tachycardia. This mechanism directly links the action of phentolamine to the observed tachycardia.
Choice B (Baroreflex mechanism) is incorrect because phentolamine-induced tachycardia is primarily mediated by the alpha2 receptor antagonism rather than the baroreflex mechanism.
Choice C (Direct effect on the heart by stimulation of beta1 receptors) is incorrect because phentolamine does not directly stimulate beta1 receptors on the heart; rather, it indirectly causes cardiac stimulation through enhanced norepinephrine release.
Choice D (Inhibition of transmitter reuptake at noradrenergic synapses) is incorrect because phentolamine does not inhibit
An adult patient has presented to the health clinic with a complaint of a firm, painless cervical lymph node. The patient denies any recent infectious diseases. What is the nurse's most appropriate response to the patient's complaint?
A. Call 911.
B. Promptly refer the patient for medical assessment.
C. Facilitate a radiograph of the patient's neck and have the results forwarded to the patient's primary care provider.
D. Encourage the patient to track the size of the lymph node and seek care in 1 week.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Promptly refer the patient for medical assessment. A firm, painless cervical lymph node in an adult without recent infectious diseases raises concerns for potential underlying serious conditions such as malignancy. Referring the patient for medical assessment allows for further evaluation, including physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies if necessary, to determine the cause of the lymphadenopathy. This prompt referral is crucial for timely diagnosis and appropriate management.
Summary:
A: Calling 911 is not warranted as the patient is stable and does not have an emergency medical condition.
C: Facilitating a radiograph may not provide sufficient information for evaluating the lymph node and delays definitive assessment.
D: Encouraging the patient to wait and track the lymph node size can lead to delayed diagnosis and potentially worsening of the underlying condition.
What is the condition where the heart's mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to leak backward into the left atrium?
A. Mitral regurgitation
B. Aortic stenosis
C. Tricuspid regurgitation
D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Mitral regurgitation. In this condition, the mitral valve fails to close properly, causing blood to flow back into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. This results in decreased forward blood flow and increased volume in the left atrium and ventricle. Mitral regurgitation can lead to symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart murmur upon auscultation.
Now, let's analyze the other choices:
B: Aortic stenosis - This involves narrowing of the aortic valve, obstructing blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta.
C: Tricuspid regurgitation - Involves backward flow of blood from the right ventricle to the right atrium due to a faulty tricuspid valve.
D: Pulmonary hypertension - Elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, usually caused by underlying conditions affecting the lungs or heart.
Therefore, the correct answer is A because it specifically describes
A patient mentions, “My doctor told me I was going to have a PET scan that would make my brain light up. Does that mean I’m getting an electrical jolt?†The best reply would be:
A. “No, PET scans and electroconvulsive therapy are entirely different.â€
B. “No, a PET scan is a diagnostic test, and electroconvulsive therapy is a treatment.â€
C. “PET scans involve an injected substance that travels to the brain. Wherever brain activity is high, a bright spot shows on the scan. It is not electrical.â€
D. “PET scans show us the electrical activity that occurs throughout the brain in the form of light bands that glow in measurable degrees of brightness on a computer screen.â€
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C because it provides a clear and accurate explanation of what a PET scan actually does. It states that PET scans involve an injected substance that shows areas of high brain activity, not electrical activity. This response clarifies the misunderstanding and educates the patient on how PET scans work.
Choice A is incorrect because it only compares PET scans to electroconvulsive therapy without addressing the patient's specific concern about electrical jolts. Choice B is incorrect as it only distinguishes between PET scans and electroconvulsive therapy without addressing the patient's misconception about brain activity and electrical jolts.
Choice D is incorrect because it inaccurately describes PET scans as showing electrical activity in the form of light bands, which is not how PET scans work. It is essential to provide accurate information to address the patient's concerns effectively.
While completing the history portion of an admission assessment of a client with schizophrenia, the nurse notices that the client is continually moving in the chair and frequently stands, then sits back down. The nurse knows that this client most likely is experiencing the side effect of:
A. Drug-induced parkinsonism
B. Dystonia
C. Akathisia
D. Akinesia
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Akathisia. Akathisia is characterized by restlessness, inability to sit still, and a constant need to move. In this scenario, the client's continual movement and inability to sit still indicate symptoms of akathisia. This side effect is commonly seen with antipsychotic medications.
Explanation:
1. Drug-induced parkinsonism (Choice A) presents with symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, stiffness, and shuffling gait. The client's symptoms do not align with these characteristics.
2. Dystonia (Choice B) is characterized by involuntary muscle contractions causing abnormal movements or postures. The client's symptoms do not match the sudden, sustained muscle contractions seen in dystonia.
3. Akinesia (Choice D) refers to a lack of movement or difficulty initiating movement, which is not consistent with the client's behavior of constant movement and inability to sit still.
Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of clonal stem cell disorders. Which of the following type has the poorest prognosis according to the FAB system of classifications?
A. Refractory anemia (RA)
B. RA with ring sideroblasts
C. RA with excess blasts
D. RA with excess blasts in transformation
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: RA with excess blasts in transformation. This choice has the poorest prognosis because it represents a progression of RA with excess blasts, indicating a higher percentage of blast cells in the bone marrow. This progression signifies a more aggressive form of the disease with a worse outcome.
A: Refractory anemia (RA) is a milder form with a better prognosis compared to the other choices.
B: RA with ring sideroblasts is a subtype of RA, and while it may have some adverse features, it generally has a better prognosis than RA with excess blasts.
C: RA with excess blasts represents a higher risk group, but it is not as severe as RA with excess blasts in transformation, which indicates a further deterioration of the disease.
In summary, D is the correct answer because it signifies the most advanced stage of the disease with the highest risk and poorest prognosis compared to the other choices.
RN exams cardiovascular practice questions, set 14 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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