RN exams cardiovascular practice questions, set 27
RN exams · cardiovascular
RN exams cardiovascular practice questionsset 27
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
Indicate the nootropic agent useful in disorders of brain circulation:
A. Aspirin
B. Pyracetam
C. Warfarin
D. All the above
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Pyracetam
The correct answer is B: Pyracetam. Pyracetam is a nootropic agent that is known for its benefits in enhancing cognitive function and improving brain circulation. It works by increasing blood flow and oxygen utilization in the brain, making it useful in disorders of brain circulation.
A: Aspirin is a common pain reliever and anti-inflammatory drug, but it is not specifically classified as a nootropic agent for brain circulation disorders.
C: Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that helps prevent blood clots, but it is not a typical choice for enhancing brain circulation or cognitive function.
D: "All the above" is incorrect as only Pyracetam is specifically known for its benefits in disorders of brain circulation, making it the correct choice in this scenario.
Question 2
A nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed dose of desmopressin to a client who has hemophilia A. The client's laboratory results indicate that the client has a sodium level of 130 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Clarify the prescription with the provider.
B. Administer the drug with an analgesic.
C. Administer the required dose orally.
D. Assess factor IX levels.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Clarify the prescription with the provider.
The correct answer is A: Clarify the prescription with the provider. Desmopressin is a medication that can cause hyponatremia, especially in patients with low sodium levels like this client. Before administering desmopressin, the nurse should consult with the provider to ensure it is safe to administer the medication given the client's sodium level. Administering the drug without clarifying may worsen the hyponatremia.
Choice B is incorrect because administering the drug with an analgesic is not necessary or relevant in this situation. Choice C is incorrect because desmopressin is typically administered via injection, not orally. Choice D is incorrect because assessing factor IX levels is not directly related to the administration of desmopressin in this scenario.
Question 3
An infant age 2 months has a tentative diagnosis of congenital heart defect. During physical assessment, the nurse notes that the infant has a pulse rate of 168 beats/minute and a respiratory rate of 72 breaths/minute. In which position should the nurse place the infant?
A. Upright in an infant seat
B. Lying on the back
C. Lying on the abdomen
D. Sitting in high Fowler's position
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Lying on the back
The correct answer is B: Lying on the back. Placing the infant on the back helps improve respiratory effort and oxygenation by allowing for maximum expansion of the lungs. This position also helps in reducing the workload on the heart, especially crucial in congenital heart defects. It promotes better blood circulation and oxygen delivery.
Choice A: Upright in an infant seat may increase the workload on the heart due to the position's effect on blood flow and lung expansion.
Choice C: Lying on the abdomen can compromise respiratory effort and decrease oxygenation, which could be detrimental in a child with a congenital heart defect.
Choice D: Sitting in high Fowler's position may also add stress to the heart and lungs, potentially worsening the infant's condition.
Question 4
Which of the following is a central vasodilator and peripheral vasoconstrictor?
A. Sympathetic nervous system
B. Parasympathetic nervous system
C. Norepinephrine
D. Acetylcholine
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Sympathetic nervous system
The correct answer is A: Sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system releases norepinephrine, which acts as a central vasodilator by dilating blood vessels in the heart and skeletal muscles. It also acts as a peripheral vasoconstrictor by constricting blood vessels in other areas to redirect blood flow to vital organs during fight-or-flight responses.
B: Parasympathetic nervous system is incorrect as it primarily promotes rest and digestion, not vasodilation or vasoconstriction.
C: Norepinephrine is incorrect as it acts as a peripheral vasoconstrictor, not a central vasodilator.
D: Acetylcholine is incorrect as it primarily functions in the parasympathetic nervous system and is not associated with central vasodilation or peripheral vasoconstriction.
Question 5
Indication for pamidronate administration is:
A. Failure of vitamin D formation in skin
B. Hypoparathyroidism
C. Elevated skeletal turnover
D. Hypercalcemia
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Hypercalcemia
Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer (D):
1. Pamidronate is a bisphosphonate used to treat conditions involving excessive bone breakdown.
2. Hypercalcemia is a condition characterized by elevated calcium levels in the blood.
3. Pamidronate works by inhibiting bone resorption, which helps lower blood calcium levels in hypercalcemia.
4. Therefore, the indication for pamidronate administration is hypercalcemia.
Summary of other choices:
A: Failure of vitamin D formation in skin - Not related to pamidronate use.
B: Hypoparathyroidism - Pamidronate is not indicated for hypoparathyroidism.
C: Elevated skeletal turnover - While pamidronate is used for conditions involving high skeletal turnover, hypercalcemia is the primary indication for its administration.
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Question 6
Which of the following is false regarding heparin?
A. Subcutaneous injection of heparin is avoided because of hematomas formation.
B. Heparin is usually stored in the mast cells.
C. Heparin binds to plasma anti thrombin III and inhibits activated thrombin.
D. Protamine sulfate can be used to counteract heparin overdose.
Correct answer:
Step-by-step rationale:
1. Subcutaneous injection of heparin is avoided due to the risk of hematoma formation at the injection site.
2. This statement is false because heparin is commonly administered subcutaneously for prophylaxis of thromboembolic events.
3. The preferred route for heparin administration is subcutaneous or intravenous.
4. Therefore, choice A is the false statement.
Summary:
- Choice A is incorrect as heparin is commonly given subcutaneously.
- Choice B is incorrect as heparin is not stored in mast cells but in specialized granules in mast cells.
- Choice C is correct as heparin binds to plasma antithrombin III to inhibit thrombin.
- Choice D is correct as protamine sulfate can reverse heparin's anticoagulant effects in case of overdose.
Which of the following consideration about type I familial hyperlipoproteinemia is True:
A. Type I familial hyperlipoproteinemia marked by the increased serum concentrations of chylomicrons and triglycerides, which decrease if the diet becomes fat free, decreased concentrations of high- and low-density lipoproteins, which increase if the diet is fat free, and decreased tissue lipoprotein lipase activity
B. Type I familial hyperlipoproteinemia characterized by increased serum concentrations of chylomicrons, pre-low-density lipoproteins, and triglycerides that are considered to be the result of a combination of fat and carbohydrate-induced hyperlipemia
C. Type I familial hyperlipoproteinemia is caused by a genetic deficiency of lipoprotein lipase or its cofactor apolipoprotein C-II, leading to impaired clearance of chylomicrons and hypertriglyceridemia.
D. Type I familial hyperlipoproteinemia presents with increased chylomicrons and triglycerides, xanthomas, and pancreatitis, and improves with dietary fat restriction but not with changes in carbohydrate intake.
Correct answer:
Rationale:
1. Type I familial hyperlipoproteinemia is characterized by increased chylomicrons and triglycerides in the serum, which decrease with a fat-free diet.
2. High- and low-density lipoproteins decrease with a fat-free diet, contrary to other types of hyperlipoproteinemia.
3. Tissue lipoprotein lipase activity is decreased in type I familial hyperlipoproteinemia.
4. Other choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the characteristics and pathophysiology of type I familial hyperlipoproteinemia.
Summary:
Choice A is correct as it aligns with the hallmark features of type I familial hyperlipoproteinemia. Choices B, C, and D contain inaccuracies regarding the lipid profile, genetic basis, and response to dietary changes in this condition.
A 4-year-old girl with a history of recurrent epistaxis and easy bruising is referred to you for evaluation. She is found to have a prolonged PTT and a factor VIII level that is less than 1%. Both parents have a history of excessive bleeding. She is admitted with a severe episode of epistaxis, and your colleague orders 40 IU/kg of recombinant factor VIII. Her epistaxis resolves initially but within an hour starts again at the same severity as before. What is the best next step?
A. Infuse a von Willebrand factor concentrate.
B. Give another dose of recombinant factor VIII concentrate.
C. Call otorhinolaryngology to pack her nose.
D. Check for a factor VIII inhibitor.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Infuse a von Willebrand factor concentrate. In this case, the 4-year-old girl with a factor VIII deficiency did not respond to recombinant factor VIII, suggesting a possible von Willebrand disease (vWD) as well. Infusing von Willebrand factor concentrate can help address the underlying vWD component, which is necessary for adequate hemostasis. Option B is incorrect because giving another dose of recombinant factor VIII won't address the potential vWD deficiency. Option C is not the best next step as packing the nose does not address the underlying bleeding disorder. Option D is not the immediate next step as checking for a factor VIII inhibitor is important but can be done after addressing the acute bleeding episode with appropriate therapy.
Which of the following subtypes of Hodgkin's lymphoma is common in young women and has good prognosis?
A. Nodular sclerosis
B. Mixed cellularity
C. Lymphocyte predominance
D. Lymphocyte depletion
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Nodular sclerosis subtype of Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is common in young women due to its peak incidence in the 20s-30s. This subtype has a good prognosis as it is the most indolent with a high cure rate. It is characterized by fibrotic bands dividing the lymph node into nodules, containing lacunar (Reed-Sternberg) cells.
The other choices (B: Mixed cellularity, C: Lymphocyte predominance, D: Lymphocyte depletion) are incorrect:
B: Mixed cellularity is more common in older adults and has a less favorable prognosis.
C: Lymphocyte predominance is rare and has a favorable prognosis, but it is more common in young males, not young women.
D: Lymphocyte depletion is rare, aggressive, and associated with a poor prognosis, not common in young women.
A patient is being taught how to care for his pacemaker site by the critical care nurse. Which of the following indicates that this patient understands safe care of the device?
A. "I will not handle the pacemaker leads at the same time as the toaster."
B. "I will obtain a medic alert tag as soon as I can."
C. "Since it was implanted in the OR I do not have to worry about infection."
D. "I must not be around a home microwave."
Correct answer:
Step-by-step rationale:
1. Handling pacemaker leads and a toaster simultaneously can lead to interference with the device, so the patient understands the importance of avoiding this.
2. This answer demonstrates awareness of potential risks and shows the patient's commitment to safety.
3. Options B, C, and D do not directly address safe care of the pacemaker site or demonstrate understanding of potential risks.
4. Option B focuses on obtaining a medic alert tag but does not address specific care instructions for the pacemaker site.
5. Option C assumes that the OR environment guarantees no risk of infection, which is incorrect.
6. Option D's reference to avoiding a home microwave is not necessary for pacemaker care unless the microwave is very old and poorly shielded.
A nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed dose of desmopressin to a client who has hemophilia A. The client's laboratory results indicate that the client has a sodium level of 130 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Clarify the prescription with the provider.
B. Administer the drug with an analgesic.
C. Administer the required dose orally.
D. Assess factor IX levels.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Clarify the prescription with the provider. Desmopressin is a medication that can cause hyponatremia, especially in patients with low sodium levels like this client. Before administering desmopressin, the nurse should consult with the provider to ensure it is safe to administer the medication given the client's sodium level. Administering the drug without clarifying may worsen the hyponatremia.
Choice B is incorrect because administering the drug with an analgesic is not necessary or relevant in this situation. Choice C is incorrect because desmopressin is typically administered via injection, not orally. Choice D is incorrect because assessing factor IX levels is not directly related to the administration of desmopressin in this scenario.
Which laboratory test value does the nurse realize can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and stroke?
A. Decreased antidiuretic hormone
B. Increased homocysteine level
C. Decreased triglycerides
D. Increased high-density lipoprotein level
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Increased homocysteine level. Elevated homocysteine is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. High levels of homocysteine can damage the lining of blood vessels and promote blood clot formation. This increases the risk of atherosclerosis, leading to cardiovascular events.
Incorrect choices:
A: Decreased antidiuretic hormone - This hormone regulates water balance and does not directly contribute to cardiovascular disease or stroke.
C: Decreased triglycerides - Low triglycerides are not a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
D: Increased high-density lipoprotein level - High levels of HDL cholesterol are actually beneficial and protective against cardiovascular disease and stroke.
A patient has a bone marrow aspiration from the posterior iliac crest. Before the procedure, the patient's vital signs were: blood pressure 132/82 mm Hg and pulse 88 beats/min. One hour after the procedure, the blood pressure is 108/70 mm Hg and pulse is 96 beats/min. Which assessment is the least important for the patient at this time?
A. Observe the puncture site.
B. Check the patient's most recent complete blood count report.
C. Ask the patient about feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness.
D. Determine if the patient had any medications before the procedure.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B because the patient's vital signs have changed post-procedure, indicating a potential complication. Checking the complete blood count report is the least important at this time as it does not immediately impact the patient's current condition.
A: Observing the puncture site is important to assess for bleeding or infection.
C: Asking about lightheadedness or dizziness is crucial to monitor for signs of hypovolemia or shock.
D: Determining medications taken before the procedure is essential to identify any potential interactions or adverse effects.
In summary, monitoring vital signs, assessing the puncture site, and checking for symptoms of hypovolemia or shock are more critical post-procedure than reviewing the complete blood count report.
A 4-year-old girl with a history of recurrent epistaxis and easy bruising is referred to you for evaluation. She is found to have a prolonged PTT and a factor VIII level that is less than 1%. Both parents have a history of excessive bleeding. She is admitted with a severe episode of epistaxis, and your colleague orders 40 IU/kg of recombinant factor VIII. Her epistaxis resolves initially but within an hour starts again at the same severity as before. What is the best next step?
A. Infuse a von Willebrand factor concentrate.
B. Give another dose of recombinant factor VIII concentrate.
C. Call otorhinolaryngology to pack her nose.
D. Check for a factor VIII inhibitor.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Infuse a von Willebrand factor concentrate. In this case, the 4-year-old girl with a factor VIII deficiency did not respond to recombinant factor VIII, suggesting a possible von Willebrand disease (vWD) as well. Infusing von Willebrand factor concentrate can help address the underlying vWD component, which is necessary for adequate hemostasis. Option B is incorrect because giving another dose of recombinant factor VIII won't address the potential vWD deficiency. Option C is not the best next step as packing the nose does not address the underlying bleeding disorder. Option D is not the immediate next step as checking for a factor VIII inhibitor is important but can be done after addressing the acute bleeding episode with appropriate therapy.
A client began taking lithium carbonate (Lithobid) for the treatment of bipolar disorder approximately 1 month ago. The client asks if it is normal to have gained 12 pounds in this time frame. Which is the appropriate nursing response?
A. “That’s strange. Weight loss is the typical pattern.â€
B. “What have you been eating? Weight gain is not usually associated with lithium.â€
C. “Weight gain is a common, but troubling, side effect.â€
D. “Weight gain only occurs during the first month of treatment with this drug.â€
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: “Weight gain is a common, but troubling, side effect.†This response acknowledges the client's concern, validates their experience, and provides accurate information. Weight gain is a known side effect of lithium carbonate, affecting a significant number of individuals. It is essential for the nurse to acknowledge this common side effect to educate and support the client effectively.
Choice A is incorrect because weight gain, not weight loss, is typically associated with lithium carbonate. Choice B is incorrect as it implies the client is solely responsible for the weight gain, which may lead to feelings of guilt or shame. Choice D is incorrect because weight gain can occur beyond the first month of treatment with lithium carbonate.
RN exams cardiovascular practice questions, set 27 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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