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
The registered nurse has finished reviewing the 7:00 a.m shift report on a telemetry unit. Which of the following clients would be the best for the RN to assign to the licensed practical nurse?
A. A 7-day postoperative CABG client with an infection in the sternal surgical incision, requiring dressings and irrigation.
B. A client who has just arrived on the unit from the emergency room for observation to rule out a myocardial infarction.
C. A client who has had successful valve replacement therapy and will be discharged this morning.
D. A client who is scheduled for a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) at 10:00 a.m.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — A 7-day postoperative CABG client with an infection in the sternal surgical incision, requiring dressings and irrigation.
The correct answer is A because the 7-day postoperative CABG client with an infection in the sternal surgical incision requires ongoing wound care, dressings, and irrigation, which are within the scope of practice for a licensed practical nurse.
Choice B is incorrect because a client who has just arrived from the emergency room for observation to rule out a myocardial infarction may require immediate assessment and interventions beyond the scope of a licensed practical nurse.
Choice C is incorrect because a client who has had successful valve replacement therapy and will be discharged this morning may require coordination of care, discharge teaching, and documentation, which are typically the responsibilities of a registered nurse.
Choice D is incorrect because a client scheduled for a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty at 10:00 a.m may require pre-procedure preparations, monitoring, and post-procedure care that are best handled by a registered nurse.
Question 2
An 18-year old male patient presents with bruising, fatigue, and diffuse extremity pain. He is noted to be tachypneic and hypoxic and has a diffuse interstitial infiltrate on chest x-ray. CBC reveals a WBC count of 285,000/mm3 (85% myeloblasts, with monocytic morphology), hemoglobin of 7.9 g/dL, and platelet count of 36,000/mm3. What is the most likely cause of the infiltrate and respiratory symptoms and the most appropriate initial treatment?
A. Hyperleukocytosis; initiation of induction chemotherapy
B. Hyperleukocytosis; leukapheresis or manual exchange transfusion and initiation of induction chemotherapy
C. COVID-19 infection; convalescent plasma and prednisone
D. Pneumococcal pneumonia; vancomycin
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Hyperleukocytosis; leukapheresis or manual exchange transfusion and initiation of induction chemotherapy
The correct answer is B: Hyperleukocytosis; leukapheresis or manual exchange transfusion and initiation of induction chemotherapy. In this scenario, the patient's symptoms and lab findings are consistent with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with leukostasis, causing hypoxia and interstitial infiltrates. Leukapheresis or manual exchange transfusion is crucial to rapidly reduce the high white blood cell count, which can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications like tissue hypoxia. Initiation of induction chemotherapy is also essential for long-term management of AML.
Rationale for why other choices are incorrect:
A: Hyperleukocytosis alone without leukostasis does not typically require immediate leukoreduction, as in this case. Induction chemotherapy should be initiated promptly to address the underlying AML.
C: COVID-19 infection would not typically present with such profound leukocytosis and monocytic morphology. Convalescent plasma and prednisone are not
Question 3
Which of the following actions most likely contribute to mortality reduction obtained by beta-blockers in myocardial infarction?
A. Increased myocardial oxygen supply
B. Decreased atrioventricular conduction
C. Decreased myocardial remodeling
D. Increased systemic vascular resistance
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Decreased myocardial remodeling
The correct answer is C: Decreased myocardial remodeling. Beta-blockers decrease the workload of the heart by reducing heart rate and contractility, which in turn decreases myocardial oxygen demand and reduces the risk of further damage to the heart muscle post-myocardial infarction. This leads to a decrease in adverse remodeling of the heart, improving overall cardiac function and reducing mortality.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Increased myocardial oxygen supply - Beta-blockers do not directly increase myocardial oxygen supply but rather decrease oxygen demand.
B: Decreased atrioventricular conduction - While beta-blockers can slow atrioventricular conduction, this is not the primary mechanism for mortality reduction in myocardial infarction.
D: Increased systemic vascular resistance - Beta-blockers actually decrease systemic vascular resistance, which can be beneficial in certain conditions but is not the primary reason for mortality reduction in myocardial infarction.
Question 4
When should autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation be used, and what are the common cancers it is used for?
A. It should be used when high dose therapy is needed to maximize response. Most common cancers it is used for include lymphoma, late relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, neuroblastoma, and Ewing sarcoma.
B. It should be used any time this approach can provide a meaningful survival benefit over chemotherapy. Most common cancers it is used for include neuroblastoma, responsive brain tumors in young children to avoid/minimize early radiation therapy, and relapsed lymphoma.
C. It should be used for tumors in which a graft-versus-tumor effect does not occur. Most common cancers include neuroblastoma, lymphoma, selected brain tumors, rhabdomyosarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma with lung metastases.
D. It should be used to avoid extensive treatment with chemotherapy and to shorten treatment. Most common cancers include neuroblastoma, relapsed Wilms' tumor, and selected brain tumors.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — It should be used any time this approach can provide a meaningful survival benefit over chemotherapy. Most common cancers it is used for include neuroblastoma, responsive brain tumors in young children to avoid/minimize early radiation therapy, and relapsed lymphoma.
The correct answer is B because autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation should be used when it can provide a survival benefit over chemotherapy. This approach is particularly beneficial for certain cancers such as neuroblastoma and relapsed lymphoma.
- Choice A is incorrect because the indication for autologous transplantation is not solely based on the need for high-dose therapy, but rather on providing a meaningful survival benefit over chemotherapy. The listed cancers are not the most common ones treated with this approach.
- Choice C is incorrect because the graft-versus-tumor effect is actually desired in some cases of autologous transplantation, and the listed cancers are not the most common ones treated with this approach.
- Choice D is incorrect because the purpose of autologous transplantation is not to avoid extensive chemotherapy but to provide a survival benefit. The listed cancers are not the most common ones treated with this approach.
Question 5
The client has a heart rate of 70, a slightly irregular rhythm and P waves that come in multiples. What is this rhythm called?
A. Third degree AV block
B. Type 2 second degree AV block
C. Type 1 second degree AV block
D. Junctional escape rhythm
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Type 1 second degree AV block
The correct answer is C: Type 1 second degree AV block. This rhythm is characterized by a slightly irregular rhythm and P waves that come in multiples, indicating a delay in the AV node conduction. In Type 1 second degree AV block, there is a progressive prolongation of the PR interval until a P wave is blocked, resulting in a skipped QRS complex. This matches the description given in the question.
Choice A (Third degree AV block) is incorrect because in this condition, there is complete blockage of the electrical impulses between the atria and ventricles, resulting in an independent rhythm for both chambers.
Choice B (Type 2 second degree AV block) is incorrect because in this condition, there is a consistent PR interval before a blocked P wave without progressive prolongation as seen in the question.
Choice D (Junctional escape rhythm) is incorrect as it is characterized by a heart rate originating from the AV junction due to a failure of the SA node,
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Question 6
An 18-year old male patient presents with bruising, fatigue, and diffuse extremity pain. He is noted to be tachypneic and hypoxic and has a diffuse interstitial infiltrate on chest x-ray. CBC reveals a WBC count of 285,000/mm3 (85% myeloblasts, with monocytic morphology), hemoglobin of 7.9 g/dL, and platelet count of 36,000/mm3. What is the most likely cause of the infiltrate and respiratory symptoms and the most appropriate initial treatment?
A. Hyperleukocytosis; initiation of induction chemotherapy
B. Hyperleukocytosis; leukapheresis or manual exchange transfusion and initiation of induction chemotherapy
C. COVID-19 infection; convalescent plasma and prednisone
D. Pneumococcal pneumonia; vancomycin
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Hyperleukocytosis; leukapheresis or manual exchange transfusion and initiation of induction chemotherapy. In this scenario, the patient's symptoms and lab findings are consistent with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with leukostasis, causing hypoxia and interstitial infiltrates. Leukapheresis or manual exchange transfusion is crucial to rapidly reduce the high white blood cell count, which can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications like tissue hypoxia. Initiation of induction chemotherapy is also essential for long-term management of AML.
Rationale for why other choices are incorrect:
A: Hyperleukocytosis alone without leukostasis does not typically require immediate leukoreduction, as in this case. Induction chemotherapy should be initiated promptly to address the underlying AML.
C: COVID-19 infection would not typically present with such profound leukocytosis and monocytic morphology. Convalescent plasma and prednisone are not
An infant with a ventricular septal defect is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin). Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate before digoxin administration?
A. Take the infant's blood pressure.
B. Check the infant's respiratory rate for 1 minute.
C. Check the infant's radial pulse for 1 minute.
D. Check the infant's apical pulse for 1 minute.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Check the infant's apical pulse for 1 minute. Before administering digoxin, it is crucial to assess the apical pulse for a full minute to ensure the heart rate is within the appropriate range (usually above 100 bpm in infants). Digoxin can cause bradycardia, so monitoring the apical pulse is essential to prevent potential adverse effects.
A: Taking the infant's blood pressure is not the most appropriate intervention before administering digoxin as the focus should be on assessing the heart rate specifically.
B: Checking the infant's respiratory rate is not directly related to the administration of digoxin, and assessing the pulse rate is more relevant.
C: Checking the infant's radial pulse is not as accurate as assessing the apical pulse when monitoring for potential digoxin-induced changes in heart rate.
In summary, the most appropriate intervention before digoxin administration is to check the infant's apical pulse for 1 minute to
When should autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation be used, and what are the common cancers it is used for?
A. It should be used when high dose therapy is needed to maximize response. Most common cancers it is used for include lymphoma, late relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, neuroblastoma, and Ewing sarcoma.
B. It should be used any time this approach can provide a meaningful survival benefit over chemotherapy. Most common cancers it is used for include neuroblastoma, responsive brain tumors in young children to avoid/minimize early radiation therapy, and relapsed lymphoma.
C. It should be used for tumors in which a graft-versus-tumor effect does not occur. Most common cancers include neuroblastoma, lymphoma, selected brain tumors, rhabdomyosarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma with lung metastases.
D. It should be used to avoid extensive treatment with chemotherapy and to shorten treatment. Most common cancers include neuroblastoma, relapsed Wilms' tumor, and selected brain tumors.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B because autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation should be used when it can provide a survival benefit over chemotherapy. This approach is particularly beneficial for certain cancers such as neuroblastoma and relapsed lymphoma.
- Choice A is incorrect because the indication for autologous transplantation is not solely based on the need for high-dose therapy, but rather on providing a meaningful survival benefit over chemotherapy. The listed cancers are not the most common ones treated with this approach.
- Choice C is incorrect because the graft-versus-tumor effect is actually desired in some cases of autologous transplantation, and the listed cancers are not the most common ones treated with this approach.
- Choice D is incorrect because the purpose of autologous transplantation is not to avoid extensive chemotherapy but to provide a survival benefit. The listed cancers are not the most common ones treated with this approach.
A client reports substernal chest pain. Test results show electrocardiographic changes and an elevated cardiac troponin level. What should be the focus of nursing care?
A. Improving myocardial oxygenation and reducing cardiac workload.
B. Confirming a suspected diagnosis and preventing complications.
C. Reducing anxiety and relieving pain.
D. Eliminating stressors and providing a nondemanding environment.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A because in a client presenting with substernal chest pain, electrocardiographic changes, and elevated cardiac troponin level, the priority is to improve myocardial oxygenation and reduce cardiac workload. This is crucial to prevent further damage to the heart muscle and potential complications like myocardial infarction. By focusing on improving oxygen supply and reducing workload, the nurse can help stabilize the client's condition and prevent further cardiac events.
Choice B is incorrect because while confirming the diagnosis and preventing complications are essential, the immediate focus should be on addressing the physiological needs of the heart. Choice C is incorrect as reducing anxiety and relieving pain are important but secondary to addressing the underlying cardiac issue. Choice D is incorrect as eliminating stressors and providing a nondemanding environment may be beneficial but not the immediate priority in this situation.
A nurse is caring for a patient with Hodgkin lymphoma at the oncology clinic. The nurse should be aware of what main goal of care?
A. Cure of the disease
B. Enhancing quality of life
C. Controlling symptoms
D. Palliation
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Cure of the disease. The main goal of care for a patient with Hodgkin lymphoma is to achieve a cure whenever possible. This is because Hodgkin lymphoma is a potentially curable cancer with appropriate treatment. Achieving a cure means eradicating the cancer cells completely and preventing its recurrence in the future. This is the most desirable outcome for the patient's long-term health and well-being.
Incorrect choices:
B: Enhancing quality of life - While improving the patient's quality of life is important, the primary goal in treating Hodgkin lymphoma is to cure the disease.
C: Controlling symptoms - Symptom management is important in providing comfort to the patient, but the main goal is to cure the disease.
D: Palliation - Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with advanced or incurable diseases. For Hodgkin lymphoma, the main goal is to aim for a cure rather than palliation.
After the nurse has finished teaching a patient about the use of sublingual nitroglycerin (Nitrostat), which patient statement indicates that the teaching has been effective?
A. “I can expect nausea as a side effect of nitroglycerin.â€
B. “I should only take nitroglycerin when I have chest pain.â€
C. “Nitroglycerin helps prevent a clot from forming and blocking blood flow to my heart.â€
D. “I will call an ambulance if I still have pain after taking three nitroglycerin 5 minutes apart.â€
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D because it demonstrates the patient's understanding of the appropriate action to take if chest pain persists after taking nitroglycerin. This response shows that the patient comprehends the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if the chest pain is not relieved by the medication.
Explanation for why other choices are incorrect:
A: Choice A is incorrect because nausea is not a common side effect of nitroglycerin.
B: Choice B is incorrect as nitroglycerin is used to relieve chest pain during an angina attack, not just when chest pain is present.
C: Choice C is incorrect as nitroglycerin works by dilating blood vessels to improve blood flow, not by preventing clot formation.
In summary, choice D is correct as it reflects the patient's understanding of the appropriate action to take in case of persistent chest pain after taking nitroglycerin, while the other choices demonstrate misunderstandings about nitroglycerin use.
A 12-year-old girl presents to your clinic with significant menstrual bleeding at the onset of menarche and is noted to have a hemoglobin of 9.9, although she is not symptomatic from her anemia. Her mother reports that she has a history of epistaxis when she was a child with some episodes lasting 30 minutes and that she also has heavy menstrual bleeding. Which of the following tests will lead to the most likely diagnosis?
A. Factor XI level
B. Factor X level
C. Factor XIII level
D. Ristoectin cofactor activity
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Ristoectin cofactor activity. This patient's history of significant menstrual bleeding, epistaxis, and low hemoglobin suggests a congenital bleeding disorder. Ristoectin cofactor activity is a test for von Willebrand disease (VWD), a common inherited bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor. VWD typically presents with mucocutaneous bleeding, such as epistaxis and menorrhagia.
Choice A: Factor XI level is not the most likely diagnosis as Factor XI deficiency (Hemophilia C) typically presents with bleeding after surgery or trauma, not mucocutaneous bleeding.
Choice B: Factor X level is not the most likely diagnosis as Factor X deficiency presents with bleeding that is more severe and can cause hemarthrosis, not typically seen in this patient.
Choice C: Factor XIII level is not the most likely diagnosis as Factor XIII deficiency leads to delayed wound healing and poor clot formation,
You receive a phone call that a 3-year-old patient on long-term warfarin therapy for congenital heart disease has an international normalized ratio (INR) of 5.8. On further history, you learn the patient and several family members have had recent gastrointestinal illnesses, but the patient is recovering. His mother reports he is not experiencing bleeding symptoms. Which of the following interventions would be most reasonable in this clinical scenario?
A. Hold 1 to 2 doses of warfarin and recheck INR
B. Administer oral vitamin K therapy
C. Administer fresh frozen plasma (FFP)
D. Administer recombinant factor VIIa
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Hold 1 to 2 doses of warfarin and recheck INR. In this scenario, the high INR indicates an increased risk of bleeding due to excess anticoagulation. However, since the patient is asymptomatic and the high INR is likely due to transient factors (gastrointestinal illness), the most appropriate initial step is to temporarily hold warfarin to allow the INR to normalize. Rechecking the INR after holding the doses will guide further management.
Choice B (Administer oral vitamin K therapy) is incorrect because the patient is not experiencing bleeding symptoms and oral vitamin K should be reserved for patients with active bleeding or high INR with bleeding symptoms. Choice C (Administer fresh frozen plasma) is inappropriate as the patient is not actively bleeding and FFP is typically reserved for acute bleeding situations. Choice D (Administer recombinant factor VIIa) is also incorrect as it is reserved for severe bleeding in patients on war
You examine a 10-year-old boy with severe aplastic anemia. He has no dysmorphic features and is at the 50th percentile for height and weight. Family history includes a sister with aplastic anemia unresponsive to anti-human thymocyte globulin (ATG) and cyclosporine who died early in the course of an unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplant complicated by severe mucositis and transplant-related organ toxicities. There are no other siblings. A cousin died of acute myeloid leukemia at age 5 years. A peripheral blood sample test for Fanconi anemia is negative with no increased chromosomal breaks in response to diepoxylbutane or mitomycin C. Which of the following is the most important next step in management?
A. Administer ATG and cyclosporine.
B. Search for a donor for matched unrelated transplant.
C. Send a bone marrow aspirate for Fanconi anemia testing.
D. Send a skin fibroblast culture for Fanconi anemia testing.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Send a skin fibroblast culture for Fanconi anemia testing. This is the most important next step in management because the patient's family history, particularly the sister's unresponsiveness to ATG and cyclosporine and the cousin's history of leukemia, raises suspicion for Fanconi anemia. Testing for Fanconi anemia is crucial as it is an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome that predisposes individuals to aplastic anemia and leukemia. Skin fibroblast culture is the preferred test for diagnosing Fanconi anemia as it can detect chromosomal abnormalities indicative of the disease. Options A and B are not appropriate as the patient's sister did not respond to ATG and cyclosporine, and searching for a donor for transplant without confirming the underlying cause of aplastic anemia could lead to transplant failure. Option C is also not the best choice as the peripheral blood sample test for Fanconi anemia was already negative, and a skin fib
A patient had a non–ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) 3 days ago. Which nursing intervention included in the plan of care is appropriate for the registered nurse (RN) to delegate to an experienced licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)?
A. Evaluation of the patient’s response to walking in the hallway
B. Completion of the referral form for a home health nurse follow-up
C. Education of the patient about the pathophysiology of heart disease
D. Reinforcement of teaching about the purpose of prescribed medications
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Reinforcement of teaching about the purpose of prescribed medications. This task is appropriate for delegation to an LPN/LVN because it involves reinforcing previously taught information to the patient, which does not require advanced assessment or critical thinking skills. LPN/LVNs are typically trained to provide education and reinforcement of information to patients under the supervision of an RN.
Choice A is incorrect because evaluating the patient's response to walking in the hallway requires ongoing assessment and monitoring, which should be done by an RN.
Choice B is incorrect as completing a referral form involves making decisions about follow-up care, which is beyond the scope of an LPN/LVN.
Choice C is incorrect because educating the patient about the pathophysiology of heart disease requires a comprehensive understanding of the disease process and is best done by an RN or healthcare provider with advanced knowledge.
RN exams cardiovascular practice questions, set 6 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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