RN exams cardiovascular practice questions, set 25
RN exams · cardiovascular
RN exams cardiovascular practice questionsset 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'?
A. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
B. Stroke
C. Myocardial infarction
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?
A. Complete blood count, creatinine, liver function tests
B. Complete blood count, serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, BUN, chloride), and EKG to monitor for prolonged QTc
C. Complete blood count, creatinine, serum magnesium, audiogram, and echocardiogram
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?
A. The presence of atheromas.
B. Fatty deposits in the intima
C. Lipoprotein accumulation in the intima
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?
A. “Zyprexa in combination with Eskalith cures manic symptoms.â€
B. “Zyprexa prevents extrapyramidal side effects.â€
C. “Zyprexa increases the effectiveness of the immune system.â€
D. “Zyprexa calms hyperactivity until the Eskalith takes effect.â€
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — “Zyprexa calms hyperactivity until the Eskalith takes effect.â€
The correct answer is D: “Zyprexa calms hyperactivity until the Eskalith takes effect.â€
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?
A. Perform a lumbar puncture to determine leukemic involvement, then proceed with induction chemotherapy.
B. Begin therapy with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) immediately while aggressively managing coagulopathy with blood product support.
C. Start dexamethasone and hydroxyurea immediately while aggressively managing coagulopathy with blood product support.
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?
A. It inhibits thrombin.
B. It inhibits fibrinogen.
C. It thins your blood.
D. It works against vitamin K.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: It inhibits thrombin. Rivaroxaban is a direct factor Xa inhibitor, which works by specifically inhibiting the activity of factor Xa, a key enzyme in the coagulation cascade. By inhibiting factor Xa, rivaroxaban prevents the formation of thrombin, a crucial enzyme in the blood clotting process. Thrombin is responsible for converting fibrinogen to fibrin, which forms the meshwork of a blood clot. Therefore, by inhibiting thrombin formation, rivaroxaban effectively prevents blood clots from forming.
Choice B is incorrect because rivaroxaban does not directly inhibit fibrinogen; it acts upstream by inhibiting factor Xa. Choice C is incorrect because rivaroxaban does not actually "thin" the blood like warfarin or heparin; it specifically targets factor Xa. Choice D is incorrect because rivaroxaban does not work against vitamin K like warfarin
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?
A. Skin fibroblasts to evaluate the RUNXI gene
B. Skin fibroblasts to evaluate the ETV6 gene
C. Buccal swab to evaluate the RUNXI gene
D. Buccal swab to evaluate the ETV6 gene
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Skin fibroblasts to evaluate the ETV6 gene. In individuals with familial thrombocytopenia and a history of malignancy, ETV6 gene mutations are often implicated. Sending skin fibroblasts for analysis allows for genetic testing to identify any ETV6 gene mutations that may be present. Skin fibroblasts are commonly used for genetic testing as they provide a stable and reliable source of DNA.
Choice A (Skin fibroblasts to evaluate the RUNXI gene) is incorrect because RUNXI gene mutations are not typically associated with familial thrombocytopenia and cancer predisposition syndromes. Choice C (Buccal swab to evaluate the RUNXI gene) is also incorrect for the same reason. Choice D (Buccal swab to evaluate the ETV6 gene) is incorrect because buccal swabs may not provide enough genetic material for comprehensive testing of the ETV6 gene, which is
Which heart chamber ejects blood into the systemic arterial circulation via the aorta?
A. Right atrium
B. Left atrium
C. Right ventricle
D. Left ventricle
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D, Left ventricle. The left ventricle is responsible for ejecting oxygenated blood into the systemic arterial circulation via the aorta. It receives oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium and pumps it out through the aorta to the rest of the body.
Rationale:
1. The left ventricle receives blood from the left atrium, which has already been oxygenated in the lungs.
2. It is the chamber that generates the highest pressure to propel blood into the systemic circulation.
3. The aorta is the main artery that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body.
4. The right atrium and right ventricle are involved in pumping deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation, not into the systemic circulation.
5. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs but does not directly eject blood into the systemic arterial circulation.
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?
A. Acute pain related to myocardial infarction
B. Anxiety related to perceived threat of death
C. Stress overload related to acute change in health
D. Decreased cardiac output related to cardiogenic shock
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Decreased cardiac output related to cardiogenic shock. In a patient with STEMI, the low blood pressure (86/40 mm Hg) and high heart rate (132 beats/min) indicate poor cardiac output. Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs due to decreased cardiac output. Restlessness and anxiety can be signs of inadequate tissue perfusion in cardiogenic shock. Addressing decreased cardiac output is crucial to prevent further deterioration.
A: Acute pain is a common symptom in STEMI but not the priority when the patient is in cardiogenic shock.
B: Anxiety is a valid concern, but the primary focus should be on addressing the physiological instability caused by decreased cardiac output.
C: Stress overload can be a contributing factor, but the immediate priority is managing the cardiogenic shock to stabilize the patient's condition.
Which of the following is the best action by the nurse?
A. Administer the metoprolol (Lopressor) and the hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), hold the captopril (Copoten), and notify the physician.
B. Administer the captopril (Capoten) and the hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), hold the metoprolol (Lepressor), and notify the physican.
C. Administer all the medications and notify the physician.
D. Withhold all the medications and notify the physician.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Administer the metoprolol (Lopressor) and the hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), hold the captopril (Copoten), and notify the physician.
Rationale:
1. Metoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide are commonly prescribed medications for hypertension.
2. Captopril is an ACE inhibitor and should be held due to potential interactions with the other medications.
3. Notifying the physician is crucial to ensure proper management and prevent adverse effects.
Summary of other choices:
B: Incorrect because holding metoprolol is not recommended as it is a common antihypertensive drug.
C: Incorrect because administering all medications without addressing the potential interaction with captopril is unsafe.
D: Incorrect because withholding all medications without administering any could lead to uncontrolled hypertension, risking the patient's health.
A client is receiving rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and asks the nurse to explain how it works. What response by the nurse is best?
A. It inhibits thrombin.
B. It inhibits fibrinogen.
C. It thins your blood.
D. It works against vitamin K.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: It inhibits thrombin. Rivaroxaban is a direct factor Xa inhibitor, which works by specifically inhibiting the activity of factor Xa, a key enzyme in the coagulation cascade. By inhibiting factor Xa, rivaroxaban prevents the formation of thrombin, a crucial enzyme in the blood clotting process. Thrombin is responsible for converting fibrinogen to fibrin, which forms the meshwork of a blood clot. Therefore, by inhibiting thrombin formation, rivaroxaban effectively prevents blood clots from forming.
Choice B is incorrect because rivaroxaban does not directly inhibit fibrinogen; it acts upstream by inhibiting factor Xa. Choice C is incorrect because rivaroxaban does not actually "thin" the blood like warfarin or heparin; it specifically targets factor Xa. Choice D is incorrect because rivaroxaban does not work against vitamin K like warfarin
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?
A. Skin fibroblasts to evaluate the RUNXI gene
B. Skin fibroblasts to evaluate the ETV6 gene
C. Buccal swab to evaluate the RUNXI gene
D. Buccal swab to evaluate the ETV6 gene
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Skin fibroblasts to evaluate the ETV6 gene. In individuals with familial thrombocytopenia and a history of malignancy, ETV6 gene mutations are often implicated. Sending skin fibroblasts for analysis allows for genetic testing to identify any ETV6 gene mutations that may be present. Skin fibroblasts are commonly used for genetic testing as they provide a stable and reliable source of DNA.
Choice A (Skin fibroblasts to evaluate the RUNXI gene) is incorrect because RUNXI gene mutations are not typically associated with familial thrombocytopenia and cancer predisposition syndromes. Choice C (Buccal swab to evaluate the RUNXI gene) is also incorrect for the same reason. Choice D (Buccal swab to evaluate the ETV6 gene) is incorrect because buccal swabs may not provide enough genetic material for comprehensive testing of the ETV6 gene, which is
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?
A. The solution will be slightly colored green or blue.
B. The intravenous form is given by bolus injection.
C. It can be given in infusions with other medications.
D. Non-polyvinylchloride (non-PVC) plastic intravenous bags and tubing must be used.
Correct answer:
Step 1: Nitroglycerin is light-sensitive and can degrade when exposed to light. PVC plastic can release compounds that can interact with nitroglycerin. Therefore, non-PVC plastic must be used to prevent drug degradation.
Step 2: Using non-PVC bags and tubing ensures the drug's stability and efficacy during administration, reducing the risk of adverse effects.
Step 3: This requirement is specific to intravenous nitroglycerin administration and is crucial to ensure the patient receives the intended therapeutic benefits without compromising the drug's potency.
In summary, choice D is correct because using non-PVC plastic intravenous bags and tubing is essential to maintain the stability and effectiveness of intravenous nitroglycerin. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not address the specific requirement related to the administration of this medication.
To improve the physical activity level for a mildly obese 71-yr-old patient, which action should the nurse plan to take?
A. Stress that weight loss is a major benefit of increased exercise.
B. Determine what kind of physical activities the patient usually enjoys.
C. Tell the patient that older adults should exercise for no more than 20 minutes at a time.
D. Teach the patient to include a short warm-up period at the beginning of physical activity.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Determine what kind of physical activities the patient usually enjoys.
Rationale:
1. By determining the patient's preferred physical activities, the nurse can tailor an exercise plan that the patient is more likely to adhere to.
2. Enjoyable activities increase motivation and compliance, leading to sustained physical activity levels.
3. Personalized approach considers the patient's interests and abilities, promoting a successful and sustainable exercise routine.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A. Stressing weight loss may be discouraging and overshadow the importance of overall health benefits of exercise.
C. Setting a strict time limit may not be suitable for all older adults and can hinder individualized exercise plans.
D. While warming up is important, it is not the most crucial initial step in developing a personalized exercise plan.
A client diagnosed with schizophrenia takes an antipsychotic agent daily. Which assessment finding should a nurse immediately report to the client’s attending psychiatrist?
A. Respirations of 22 beats/minute
B. Weight gain of 8 pounds in 2 months
C. Temperature of 104 F (40 C)
D. Excessive salivation
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Temperature of 104 F (40 C). A high temperature may indicate a potential serious side effect such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which is a life-threatening condition associated with antipsychotic use. This requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications.
A: Respirations of 22 beats/minute - Normal respiratory rate is 12-20 breaths per minute, so 22 breaths per minute is slightly elevated but not an immediate concern.
B: Weight gain of 8 pounds in 2 months - Weight gain is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications and may require monitoring and potential intervention, but it is not an immediate cause for concern.
D: Excessive salivation - This is a common side effect of some antipsychotic medications but is not typically considered an urgent issue unless it is severe and causing distress to the client.
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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