RN exams cardiovascular practice questions, set 28
RN exams · cardiovascular
RN exams cardiovascular practice questionsset 28
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 is receiving heparin therapy as part of the treatment for a pulmonary embolism. The nurse monitors the results of which laboratory test to check the drug’s effectiveness?
A. Bleeding times
B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
C. Prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PT/INR)
D. Vitamin K levels
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
The correct answer is B: Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). This test is specifically used to monitor heparin therapy's effectiveness by measuring the blood's clotting time. Heparin works by inhibiting blood clot formation, so monitoring aPTT helps ensure the patient is within the therapeutic range to prevent clot formation.
Incorrect choices:
A: Bleeding times - This test assesses how long it takes for blood to clot, but it does not specifically monitor heparin therapy's effectiveness.
C: Prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PT/INR) - This test is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin therapy.
D: Vitamin K levels - Monitoring vitamin K levels is not relevant to assessing heparin therapy's effectiveness in preventing clot formation.
Question 2
Which condition is characterized by the right ventricle of the heart failing due to increased pressure in the lungs, often caused by chronic lung disease?
A. Cor pulmonale
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Aortic stenosis
D. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Cor pulmonale
The correct answer is A: Cor pulmonale. This condition is characterized by right ventricle failure due to increased pulmonary pressure from chronic lung disease. Step 1: Chronic lung disease causes increased pressure in the lungs. Step 2: The increased pressure in the lungs leads to the right ventricle of the heart working harder to pump blood through the lungs. Step 3: Over time, this increased workload can cause right ventricular failure, known as cor pulmonale. Summary: B is incorrect as pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage of an artery in the lungs. C is incorrect as aortic stenosis involves narrowing of the aortic valve, affecting the left ventricle. D is incorrect as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic condition causing thickening of the heart muscle.
Question 3
__________ is a side effect that can occur while a client is taking an antipsychotic medication, causing muscle rigidity, high fever, unstable vital signs, confusion, and agitation.
A. Drug-induced parkinsonism
B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
C. Tardive dyskinesia
D. Dystonia
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
The correct answer is B: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). NMS is a serious side effect of antipsychotic medications characterized by muscle rigidity, high fever, unstable vital signs, confusion, and agitation. This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Rationale:
1. Muscle rigidity, high fever, and unstable vital signs are hallmark symptoms of NMS.
2. Confusion and agitation are also common in individuals experiencing NMS.
3. NMS is a medical emergency that can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
4. The other choices, A: Drug-induced parkinsonism, C: Tardive dyskinesia, and D: Dystonia, do not present with the same constellation of symptoms as NMS and are unrelated to the life-threatening nature of NMS.
Question 4
The drug acts by competitively blocking the Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter:
A. Loop diuretics
B. Thiazide diuretics
C. Potassium-sparing diuretics
D. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Loop diuretics
Loop diuretics act by competitively blocking the Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. By inhibiting this transporter, loop diuretics prevent reabsorption of sodium, potassium, and chloride ions, leading to increased urine output. Thiazide diuretics work in the distal convoluted tubule by blocking the Na+/Cl- cotransporter. Potassium-sparing diuretics act on the collecting duct or distal tubule to inhibit sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors work in the proximal convoluted tubule by inhibiting the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, which reduces bicarbonate reabsorption. Therefore, the correct answer is A because loop diuretics specifically target the Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter in the loop of Henle.
Question 5
The drug acts by competitively blocking the Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter:
A. Loop diuretics
B. Thiazide diuretics
C. Potassium-sparing diuretics
D. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Loop diuretics
Loop diuretics act by competitively blocking the Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. By inhibiting this transporter, loop diuretics prevent reabsorption of sodium, potassium, and chloride ions, leading to increased urine output. Thiazide diuretics work in the distal convoluted tubule by blocking the Na+/Cl- cotransporter. Potassium-sparing diuretics act on the collecting duct or distal tubule to inhibit sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors work in the proximal convoluted tubule by inhibiting the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, which reduces bicarbonate reabsorption. Therefore, the correct answer is A because loop diuretics specifically target the Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter in the loop of Henle.
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Question 6
Which condition is characterized by the right ventricle of the heart failing due to increased pressure in the lungs, often caused by chronic lung disease?
A. Cor pulmonale
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Aortic stenosis
D. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Cor pulmonale. This condition is characterized by right ventricle failure due to increased pulmonary pressure from chronic lung disease. Step 1: Chronic lung disease causes increased pressure in the lungs. Step 2: The increased pressure in the lungs leads to the right ventricle of the heart working harder to pump blood through the lungs. Step 3: Over time, this increased workload can cause right ventricular failure, known as cor pulmonale. Summary: B is incorrect as pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage of an artery in the lungs. C is incorrect as aortic stenosis involves narrowing of the aortic valve, affecting the left ventricle. D is incorrect as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic condition causing thickening of the heart muscle.
Which of the following antianginal agents refers to reflex coronary dilators:
A. Dipyridamole
B. Validol
C. Atenolol
D. Alinidine
Correct answer:
Step-by-step rationale for why choice B (Validol) is the correct answer:
1. Validol contains menthol, which acts as a reflex coronary dilator.
2. Menthol stimulates cold receptors in the oral cavity, leading to vasodilation.
3. Vasodilation in the coronary arteries increases blood flow to the heart.
4. This helps relieve angina symptoms by improving blood supply to the heart muscle.
Summary:
- A: Dipyridamole is a vasodilator but acts through adenosine receptor stimulation, not reflex coronary dilation.
- C: Atenolol is a beta-blocker that reduces heart rate and contractility but does not cause reflex coronary dilation.
- D: Alinidine is a central alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist, which reduces sympathetic outflow but does not directly cause reflex coronary dilation.
The client is having an exercise echocardiogram. What is a nursing instruction for this test?
A. The client must lie on his back for the test.
B. The client will run on a treadmill and then have an echocardiogram.
C. The client will lie on the right side for the echocardiogram.
D. The client will not have electrocardiographic monitoring.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B because during an exercise echocardiogram, the client typically exercises on a treadmill to stress the heart. This helps evaluate how the heart functions under physical exertion. After exercising, the client immediately undergoes an echocardiogram to assess the heart's response to stress. This test provides valuable information about heart function during activity.
Choice A is incorrect because lying on the back is not part of the standard procedure for an exercise echocardiogram. Choice C is incorrect as lying on the right side is not a common position for this test. Choice D is incorrect because electrocardiographic monitoring is essential during an exercise echocardiogram to assess the heart's electrical activity throughout the test.
The typical Reed-Sternberg cells are either infrequent or absent. Instead, lymphocytic and histiocytic cells or 'popcorn cells' are seen within a background of inflammatory cells, which are predominantly benign lymphocytes. Which type of Hodgkin's lymphoma best suit the description?
A. Nodular sclerosis
B. Mixed cellularity
C. Lymphocyte depleted
D. Lymphocyte predominance
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Lymphocyte predominance. In this type of Hodgkin's lymphoma, the typical Reed-Sternberg cells are absent or rare. Instead, popcorn cells (lymphocytic and histiocytic cells) are seen among benign lymphocytes. This is characteristic of lymphocyte predominance subtype.
A: Nodular sclerosis - characterized by lacunar Reed-Sternberg cells in a background of collagen bands.
B: Mixed cellularity - characterized by numerous Reed-Sternberg cells, eosinophils, plasma cells, and histiocytes in a background of mixed inflammatory cells.
C: Lymphocyte depleted - characterized by few Reed-Sternberg cells in a background of fibrosis and few inflammatory cells.
Therefore, based on the description provided, choice D is the most appropriate answer.
What likely contributed to furosemide-induced metabolic alkalosis in the 47-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer?
A. Increased reabsorption of uric acid
B. Increased delivery of Na+ to the distal tubule
C. Mild inhibition of carbonic anhydrase
D. Decreased reabsorption of Ca2+ in the loop of Henle
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Decreased reabsorption of Ca2+ in the loop of Henle. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits the Na+/K+/2Cl- co-transporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, leading to decreased reabsorption of Na+ and Ca2+. This leads to an increase in the excretion of Ca2+ in the urine, resulting in metabolic alkalosis due to loss of H+ ions in exchange for Na+ and Ca2+.
A: Increased reabsorption of uric acid is not directly related to furosemide-induced metabolic alkalosis.
B: Increased delivery of Na+ to the distal tubule would lead to increased reabsorption of Na+ and water, which would not result in metabolic alkalosis.
C: Mild inhibition of carbonic anhydrase would not directly cause furosemide-induced metabolic alkalosis.
The nurse is caring for a patient with acute respiratory dist ress syndrome who is hypoxemic despite mechanical ventilation. The primary care provider (PCP) orders a nontraditional ventilator mode as part of treatment. Despite sedation and aabnirba.lcgoems/tieas,t the patient remains restless and appears to be in discomfort. The nurse informs the PCP of this assessment and anticipates what order?
A. Continuous lateral rotation therapy
B. Guided imagery
C. Neuromuscular blockade
D. Prone positioning
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Neuromuscular blockade.
1. Neuromuscular blockade helps to achieve optimal ventilator synchrony by reducing patient-ventilator asynchrony and improving oxygenation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
2. Despite sedation, the patient's restlessness and discomfort suggest inadequate ventilator synchrony, which can be addressed by neuromuscular blockade.
3. Continuous lateral rotation therapy (A) and prone positioning (D) are interventions for improving ventilation and oxygenation in ARDS but do not directly address patient-ventilator synchrony.
4. Guided imagery (B) is a non-pharmacological technique for relaxation and pain management, which may not address the underlying issue of ventilator synchrony in this case.
A patient has prescriptions for two inhalers. One inhaler is a bronchodilator, and the other is a corticosteroid. Which instruction regarding these inhalers will the nurse give to the patient?
A. “Take the corticosteroid inhaler first.”
B. “Take the bronchodilator inhaler first.”
C. “Take these two drugs at least 2 hours apart.”
D. “It does not matter which inhaler you use first.”
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: "Take the bronchodilator inhaler first." The rationale for this instruction is that bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, allowing for easier breathing. Taking the bronchodilator first helps open up the airways, making it easier for the corticosteroid to reach deeper into the lungs and be more effective. If the corticosteroid is taken first, it may not reach the lower airways as effectively. Choice A is incorrect because taking the corticosteroid first may not optimize the effectiveness of both medications. Choice C is incorrect as it is important to take these inhalers in a specific order for optimal effect. Choice D is incorrect because the order of inhaler use can impact the effectiveness of the medications.
The client has atrial fibrillation. What can the nurse say about the P wave?
A. It precedes a long PR interval
B. It falls on the previous T wave
C. The P wave is absent
D. It is peaked
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: The P wave is absent. In atrial fibrillation, the atria are quivering and not contracting effectively, leading to the absence of distinct P waves on the ECG. This is due to the chaotic electrical activity in the atria.
Rationale:
A: The P wave does not precede a long PR interval in atrial fibrillation. Instead, the irregular electrical signals cause variable PR intervals.
B: The P wave falling on the previous T wave is not a characteristic of atrial fibrillation. The T wave represents ventricular repolarization, whereas the P wave reflects atrial depolarization.
D: The P wave being peaked is not relevant to atrial fibrillation. In this arrhythmia, the absence of distinct P waves is a key feature due to the erratic atrial activity.
A patient has prescriptions for two inhalers. One inhaler is a bronchodilator, and the other is a corticosteroid. Which instruction regarding these inhalers will the nurse give to the patient?
A. “Take the corticosteroid inhaler first.â€
B. “Take the bronchodilator inhaler first.â€
C. “Take these two drugs at least 2 hours apart.â€
D. “It does not matter which inhaler you use first.â€
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: "Take the bronchodilator inhaler first." The rationale for this instruction is that bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, allowing for easier breathing. Taking the bronchodilator first helps open up the airways, making it easier for the corticosteroid to reach deeper into the lungs and be more effective. If the corticosteroid is taken first, it may not reach the lower airways as effectively. Choice A is incorrect because taking the corticosteroid first may not optimize the effectiveness of both medications. Choice C is incorrect as it is important to take these inhalers in a specific order for optimal effect. Choice D is incorrect because the order of inhaler use can impact the effectiveness of the medications.
If Mr. Baker's blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite treatment, the most likely reason is that he
A. is not taking his medicine as ordered
B. does not adhere to his diet
C. is too sedentary
D. refuses to stop smoking
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Mr. Baker's blood pressure remains uncontrolled because he is not taking his medicine as ordered. Medication adherence is crucial for managing blood pressure. If Mr. Baker is not taking his medicine as prescribed, it can lead to uncontrolled blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D may also contribute to high blood pressure, but not taking medication as ordered is the most likely reason based on the information provided. Choice B focuses on diet, which is important but not the most likely reason in this scenario. Choice C mentions sedentary behavior, which can impact blood pressure but is not as critical as medication adherence. Choice D addresses smoking, which is a risk factor for high blood pressure but not the primary reason in this case.
RN exams cardiovascular practice questions, set 28 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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