RN exams cardiovascular practice questions, set 25

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RN exams cardiovascular practice questions set 25

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

What is the term used to describe a condition where the blood flow to the brain is temporarily interrupted, often referred to as a 'mini-stroke'?

  1. A. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
  2. B. Stroke
  3. C. Myocardial infarction
  4. D. Pulmonary embolism
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

The correct answer is A: Transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, causing stroke-like symptoms that usually resolve within 24 hours. It is often referred to as a 'mini-stroke' because the symptoms are similar to a stroke but last for a shorter duration. Explanation: 1. TIA specifically describes a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, aligning with the scenario described in the question. 2. Stroke (Choice B) refers to a more severe and lasting interruption of blood flow to the brain, not a temporary one as seen in a TIA. 3. Myocardial infarction (Choice C) refers to a heart attack, which involves blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, not the brain. 4. Pulmonary embolism (Choice D) is a blockage of an artery in the lungs, not related to blood flow interruption to the brain. In summary,

Question 2

A 12-year-old patient with localized osteosarcoma is being treated with cisplatin, doxorubicin, and high-dose methotrexate. The pain at his primary site rapidly resolves after initiation of chemotherapy. After tumor resection, pathology reveals the tumor was greater than 95% necrotic. You want to continue cisplatin, doxorubicin, and high-dose methotrexate. Which of the following is the best answer regarding the evaluations that should be performed to monitor for toxicity in patients receiving cisplatin, doxorubicin, and high-dose methotrexate?

  1. A. Complete blood count, creatinine, liver function tests
  2. B. Complete blood count, serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, BUN, chloride), and EKG to monitor for prolonged QTc
  3. C. Complete blood count, creatinine, serum magnesium, audiogram, and echocardiogram
  4. D. Complete blood count, creatinine, serum magnesium, chest x-ray
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Complete blood count, creatinine, serum magnesium, audiogram, and echocardiogram

The correct answer is C because it includes essential evaluations to monitor for toxicity associated with cisplatin, doxorubicin, and high-dose methotrexate. 1. Complete blood count: To monitor for potential bone marrow suppression caused by chemotherapy drugs. 2. Creatinine: To assess renal function, as cisplatin can cause nephrotoxicity. 3. Serum magnesium: Monitoring for hypomagnesemia, a common side effect of cisplatin. 4. Audiogram: To screen for hearing loss, a known side effect of cisplatin. 5. Echocardiogram: To evaluate for cardiotoxicity, especially with doxorubicin known to cause cardiomyopathy. Other choices are incorrect: A: Does not include serum magnesium, audiogram, and echocardiogram, which are important for monitoring toxicity. B: While electrolytes and EKG are relevant, it lacks creatinine, serum magnesium, and other crucial tests. D:

Question 3

A client's angiogram demonstrates the final stage of atherosclerosis. The nurse concludes that this client's pathophysiology includes which of the following elements?

  1. A. The presence of atheromas.
  2. B. Fatty deposits in the intima
  3. C. Lipoprotein accumulation in the intima
  4. D. Inflammation of the arterial wall
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — The presence of atheromas.

The correct answer is A: The presence of atheromas. Atheromas are plaques that form in the arterial wall due to the accumulation of cholesterol and other substances. In the final stage of atherosclerosis, these atheromas can lead to complete blockages or rupture, causing serious health issues. Choice B (Fatty deposits in the intima) is incorrect because while fatty deposits are a part of atherosclerosis, the final stage involves the formation of atheromas, not just fatty deposits. Choice C (Lipoprotein accumulation in the intima) is incorrect because lipoprotein accumulation is an early stage of atherosclerosis, not the final stage involving atheromas. Choice D (Inflammation of the arterial wall) is incorrect because although inflammation plays a role in atherosclerosis, the final stage is characterized by the presence of atheromas, not just inflammation.

Question 4

A client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder is exhibiting severe manic behaviors. A physician prescribes lithium carbonate (Eskalith) and olanzapine (Zyprexa). The client’s spouse asks the nurse how Zyprexa works. Which is the appropriate nursing response?

  1. A. “Zyprexa in combination with Eskalith cures manic symptoms.”
  2. B. “Zyprexa prevents extrapyramidal side effects.”
  3. C. “Zyprexa increases the effectiveness of the immune system.”
  4. D. “Zyprexa calms hyperactivity until the Eskalith takes effect.”
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — “Zyprexa calms hyperactivity until the Eskalith takes effect.”

The correct answer is D: “Zyprexa calms hyperactivity until the Eskalith takes effect.” Rationale: 1. Zyprexa (olanzapine) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat manic symptoms in bipolar disorder by stabilizing mood. 2. Lithium carbonate (Eskalith) is a mood stabilizer that takes time to reach therapeutic levels and effectiveness. 3. Zyprexa acts quickly to calm hyperactivity and aggression associated with mania while Eskalith gradually takes effect to stabilize mood long-term. 4. Therefore, the appropriate nursing response is to explain that Zyprexa helps manage acute symptoms until Eskalith fully kicks in. Other Choices: A: Incorrect. Zyprexa does not cure manic symptoms but helps manage them alongside Eskalith. B: Incorrect. Zyprexa does not prevent extrapyramidal side effects, which are more commonly associated with typical antipsychotics. C

Question 5

A 13-year-old Hispanic girl is found to have a WBC count of 6,500/mm3 with 40% Auer rod–containing granular blasts that, by flow cytometry, express very bright CD33 but are negative for human leukocyte antigen–DR isotype (HLA-DR). She is oozing blood around her peripheral IV site. Coagulation studies reveal an international normalized ratio (INR) of 3.4, a fibrinogen of 170, and a markedly elevated D-dimer. Marrow aspirate shows nearly 90% blasts with a similar morphology. You send the marrow to the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) lab and request STAT testing for the most likely recurrent genetic abnormality based on the clinical presentation. How do you plan to initiate therapy?

  1. A. Perform a lumbar puncture to determine leukemic involvement, then proceed with induction chemotherapy.
  2. B. Begin therapy with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) immediately while aggressively managing coagulopathy with blood product support.
  3. C. Start dexamethasone and hydroxyurea immediately while aggressively managing coagulopathy with blood product support.
  4. D. Start induction chemotherapy, obtain HLA typing, and start a donor search because of the poor prognosis associated with this leukemic phenotype.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Begin therapy with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) immediately while aggressively managing coagulopathy with blood product support.

The correct answer is B: Begin therapy with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) immediately while aggressively managing coagulopathy with blood product support. Rationale: 1. The clinical presentation describes acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), characterized by Auer rod-containing blasts, coagulopathy (elevated INR, D-dimer), and CD33 positivity. ATRA is the standard treatment for APL. 2. ATRA induces differentiation of leukemic promyelocytes, reducing the risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and bleeding. 3. Aggressively managing the coagulopathy with blood product support is crucial to prevent hemorrhagic complications. Summary: A: Not needed as the clinical presentation already suggests APL. Lumbar puncture is not indicated for APL diagnosis. C: Dexamethasone and hydroxyurea are not standard treatments for APL. Immediate ATRA therapy is preferred. D

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Question 6

A client is receiving rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and asks the nurse to explain how it works. What response by the nurse is best?

  1. A. It inhibits thrombin.
  2. B. It inhibits fibrinogen.
  3. C. It thins your blood.
  4. D. It works against vitamin K.
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Question 7

You are consulted on a 4-year-old girl who is newly diagnosed with standard-risk pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After reviewing her previous complete blood examinations, you note she has had a platelet count ranging from 80,000 to 100,000 cells/mcL over the past 2 years. Her father mentions that he has also been told he has mild thrombocytopenia. You suspect the child may have a cancer predisposition syndrome. Which sample should you send for analysis, and which gene is most likely implicated?

  1. A. Skin fibroblasts to evaluate the RUNXI gene
  2. B. Skin fibroblasts to evaluate the ETV6 gene
  3. C. Buccal swab to evaluate the RUNXI gene
  4. D. Buccal swab to evaluate the ETV6 gene
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Question 8

Which heart chamber ejects blood into the systemic arterial circulation via the aorta?

  1. A. Right atrium
  2. B. Left atrium
  3. C. Right ventricle
  4. D. Left ventricle
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Question 9

A patient admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU) with an ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is restless and anxious. The blood pressure is 86/40 mm Hg, and heart rate is 132 beats/min. Based on this information, which nursing diagnosis is a priority for the patient?

  1. A. Acute pain related to myocardial infarction
  2. B. Anxiety related to perceived threat of death
  3. C. Stress overload related to acute change in health
  4. D. Decreased cardiac output related to cardiogenic shock
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Question 10

Which of the following is the best action by the nurse?

  1. A. Administer the metoprolol (Lopressor) and the hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), hold the captopril (Copoten), and notify the physician.
  2. B. Administer the captopril (Capoten) and the hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), hold the metoprolol (Lepressor), and notify the physican.
  3. C. Administer all the medications and notify the physician.
  4. D. Withhold all the medications and notify the physician.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 11

A client is receiving rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and asks the nurse to explain how it works. What response by the nurse is best?

  1. A. It inhibits thrombin.
  2. B. It inhibits fibrinogen.
  3. C. It thins your blood.
  4. D. It works against vitamin K.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 12

You are consulted on a 4-year-old girl who is newly diagnosed with standard-risk pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After reviewing her previous complete blood examinations, you note she has had a platelet count ranging from 80,000 to 100,000 cells/mcL over the past 2 years. Her father mentions that he has also been told he has mild thrombocytopenia. You suspect the child may have a cancer predisposition syndrome. Which sample should you send for analysis, and which gene is most likely implicated?

  1. A. Skin fibroblasts to evaluate the RUNXI gene
  2. B. Skin fibroblasts to evaluate the ETV6 gene
  3. C. Buccal swab to evaluate the RUNXI gene
  4. D. Buccal swab to evaluate the ETV6 gene
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 13

The nurse is giving intravenous nitroglycerin to a patient who has just been admitted because of an acute myocardial infarction. Which statement is true regarding the administration of the intravenous form of this medication?

  1. A. The solution will be slightly colored green or blue.
  2. B. The intravenous form is given by bolus injection.
  3. C. It can be given in infusions with other medications.
  4. D. Non-polyvinylchloride (non-PVC) plastic intravenous bags and tubing must be used.
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Question 14

To improve the physical activity level for a mildly obese 71-yr-old patient, which action should the nurse plan to take?

  1. A. Stress that weight loss is a major benefit of increased exercise.
  2. B. Determine what kind of physical activities the patient usually enjoys.
  3. C. Tell the patient that older adults should exercise for no more than 20 minutes at a time.
  4. D. Teach the patient to include a short warm-up period at the beginning of physical activity.
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Question 15

A client diagnosed with schizophrenia takes an antipsychotic agent daily. Which assessment finding should a nurse immediately report to the client’s attending psychiatrist?

  1. A. Respirations of 22 beats/minute
  2. B. Weight gain of 8 pounds in 2 months
  3. C. Temperature of 104 F (40 C)
  4. D. Excessive salivation
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About these RN exams cardiovascular questions

RN exams cardiovascular practice questions, set 25 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

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