RN exams cardiovascular practice questions, set 29
RN exams · cardiovascular
RN exams cardiovascular practice questionsset 29
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
You are seeing a 2-year-old girl with new onset of fever and bronchitis. She has maculopapular rash and hepatosplenomegaly. Blood smear shows leukocytosis (100,000/mm3), anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Ancillary tests include fetal hemoglobin of 80% and normal blood karyotype. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Leukemoid Reaction
B. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
C. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
D. Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML)
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML)
The most likely diagnosis in this scenario is Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). This is supported by the presence of hepatosplenomegaly, maculopapular rash, leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia in a young child. The elevated fetal hemoglobin level is characteristic of JMML. Additionally, a normal blood karyotype helps differentiate JMML from other leukemias.
Choice A (Leukemoid Reaction) is incorrect because it is typically a reactive condition due to infections, not a primary hematological malignancy like JMML. Choice B (Acute lymphoblastic leukemia) is less likely due to the presence of hepatosplenomegaly and a high fetal hemoglobin level. Choice C (Chronic myeloid leukemia) is less likely in a young child with the given clinical presentation.
Question 2
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
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — is not taking his medicine as ordered
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.
Question 3
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.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — The client will run on a treadmill and then have an echocardiogram.
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.
Question 4
The nurse is caring for a client on amiodarone who develops a cough. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
B. Reassure the client that this is a common side effect.
C. Continue the amiodarone and monitor the client's symptoms.
D. Discontinue the amiodarone immediately.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Rationale for Correct Answer A: The nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately because a cough can be a sign of a serious side effect of amiodarone called pulmonary toxicity. Prompt action is necessary to prevent further complications. The healthcare provider needs to assess the client, possibly order diagnostic tests, and determine the appropriate course of action.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: Reassuring the client without further assessment could lead to delayed recognition of a serious issue.
C: Continuing amiodarone without addressing the cough may worsen the condition.
D: Discontinuing amiodarone without consulting the healthcare provider may not be appropriate and could lead to adverse effects or worsening of the client's condition.
Question 5
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
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Increased homocysteine level
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.
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Question 6
When administering dobutamine to a client, what is the most important parameter to assess?
A. Blood pressure
B. Heart rate
C. Oxygen saturation
D. Respiratory rate
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Blood pressure. When administering dobutamine, a medication that increases heart contractility, the most important parameter to assess is blood pressure. This is because dobutamine can cause significant changes in blood pressure, including hypotension or hypertension, which can have serious implications for the client's hemodynamic stability. Monitoring blood pressure allows for timely intervention and adjustment of the medication dosage to ensure optimal cardiovascular function. Heart rate (B), oxygen saturation (C), and respiratory rate (D) are also important parameters to monitor but are not the primary concern when administering dobutamine, as its effects on blood pressure are more critical for patient safety and treatment efficacy.
Which statement regarding ethical concepts is true?
A. A living will is the same as a healthcare proxy.
B. A signed donor card ensures that organ donation will o ccur in the event of brain death.
C. A surrogate is a competent adult designated by a perso n to make healthcare decisions in the event the person is incapacitated.
D. A persistent vegetative state is the same as brain deatha ibnir bm.cooms/tt esstt ates.
Correct answer:
Rationale: Choice C is correct because a surrogate is indeed a competent adult designated to make healthcare decisions for an incapacitated person. This individual is typically chosen by the person themselves through a legal document like a healthcare proxy. This ensures that someone trusted can make important decisions when the person is unable to do so. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a living will and healthcare proxy serve different purposes, a signed donor card does not guarantee organ donation in the event of brain death (medical criteria are also required), and a persistent vegetative state is different from brain death (brain death implies irreversible cessation of brain function while a vegetative state involves some level of brain function).
When administering dobutamine to a client, what is the most important parameter to assess?
A. Blood pressure
B. Heart rate
C. Oxygen saturation
D. Respiratory rate
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Blood pressure. When administering dobutamine, a medication that increases heart contractility, the most important parameter to assess is blood pressure. This is because dobutamine can cause significant changes in blood pressure, including hypotension or hypertension, which can have serious implications for the client's hemodynamic stability. Monitoring blood pressure allows for timely intervention and adjustment of the medication dosage to ensure optimal cardiovascular function. Heart rate (B), oxygen saturation (C), and respiratory rate (D) are also important parameters to monitor but are not the primary concern when administering dobutamine, as its effects on blood pressure are more critical for patient safety and treatment efficacy.
Which of the following statements refers to cholecalciferol:
A. Frequent monitoring of both calcium and phosphorus serum levels is necessary in case of intravenous administration
B. Has potent anti-osteoclast activity – mechanism unknown
C. Can usually lower serum calcium levels in 48 hours
D. Mechanism of action: 1. Genomic effects 2. Cytoplasmic effects
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D because cholecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3, exerts its effects through genomic effects (regulating gene expression) and cytoplasmic effects (regulating calcium transport). This is crucial for its role in calcium homeostasis and bone health.
A is incorrect because cholecalciferol is typically administered orally and does not require frequent monitoring of calcium and phosphorus serum levels.
B is incorrect because cholecalciferol promotes bone formation by enhancing osteoblast activity, not inhibiting osteoclasts.
C is incorrect because cholecalciferol actually helps increase serum calcium levels by enhancing calcium absorption in the intestines and promoting calcium reabsorption in the kidneys, rather than lowering them.
Which nursing intervention is likely to be most effective when assisting the patient with coronary artery disease to make appropriate dietary changes?
A. Inform the patient about a diet containing no saturated fat and minimal salt.
B. Help the patient modify favorite high-fat recipes by using monounsaturated oils.
C. Emphasize the increased risk for heart problems unless the patient makes the dietary changes.
D. Give the patient a list of low-sodium, low-cholesterol foods that should be included in the diet.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Help the patient modify favorite high-fat recipes by using monounsaturated oils.
Rationale:
1. Modifying favorite recipes helps ensure compliance as the patient is more likely to enjoy the food.
2. Using monounsaturated oils is healthier than saturated fats, supporting cardiovascular health.
3. This intervention promotes gradual and sustainable dietary changes, increasing long-term success.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A. Eliminating all saturated fats and salt may be too restrictive and difficult to maintain.
C. Focusing on risks alone may not motivate the patient effectively without practical guidance.
D. Providing a list of foods may not address the patient's preferences or help them apply changes to their daily meals effectively.
You are seeing a 2-year-old girl with new onset of fever and bronchitis. She has maculopapular rash and hepatosplenomegaly. Blood smear shows leukocytosis (100,000/mm3), anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Ancillary tests include fetal hemoglobin of 80% and normal blood karyotype. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Leukemoid Reaction
B. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
C. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
D. Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML)
Correct answer:
The most likely diagnosis in this scenario is Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). This is supported by the presence of hepatosplenomegaly, maculopapular rash, leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia in a young child. The elevated fetal hemoglobin level is characteristic of JMML. Additionally, a normal blood karyotype helps differentiate JMML from other leukemias.
Choice A (Leukemoid Reaction) is incorrect because it is typically a reactive condition due to infections, not a primary hematological malignancy like JMML. Choice B (Acute lymphoblastic leukemia) is less likely due to the presence of hepatosplenomegaly and a high fetal hemoglobin level. Choice C (Chronic myeloid leukemia) is less likely in a young child with the given clinical presentation.
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.
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.
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.
A 5-year-old boy presents with a 3-week history of his right eye “not moving to the right side.†The remainder of his neurologic exam is normal with the exception of a weak gag. MRI of the brain reveals a diffusely infiltrative mass in the pons. If this patient were to undergo a stereotactic biopsy, what would be the most likely molecular finding?
A. BRAFKIAA1549 fusion
B. Trisomy 21
C. H3 K27M mutation
D. RELA fusion
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: H3 K27M mutation. This mutation is most commonly associated with diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG), which are high-grade brain tumors typically found in children. The presence of a diffusely infiltrative mass in the pons in a 5-year-old boy with neurological symptoms points towards a DIPG. Stereotactic biopsy of the mass would likely reveal the H3 K27M mutation, which is a key molecular finding in DIPG.
Choice A (BRAFKIAA1549 fusion) is incorrect as this fusion is typically associated with pilocytic astrocytomas, not DIPGs. Choice B (Trisomy 21) is incorrect as it is not a molecular finding commonly associated with DIPGs. Choice D (RELA fusion) is also incorrect as this fusion is more commonly seen in ependymomas, not DIPGs.
RN exams cardiovascular practice questions, set 29 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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