Question 1

The nurse is collecting data on a patient with varicose veins. What would the nurse document as a subjective finding of varicosities?

Accepted Answer

Aching of legs is a subjective finding, meaning it is a symptom reported by the patient rather than something that can be objectively measured or observed. Palpable nodules, ankle edema, and purple lesions are all objective findings.

Question 2

The nurse is reinforcing teaching for a patient who has coronary artery disease. Which of these is a risk factor for myocardial infarction which should be included in a teaching plan?

Accepted Answer

Stress is a risk factor for myocardial infarction, while gender, age, and ethnicity are non-modifiable risk factors.

Question 3

A patient who has had a myocardial infarction asks, "What kinds of meats should I eat?" What would be an appropriate response by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should recommend that the patient eat chicken and fish, while keeping red meats to a minimum. This is because poultry and fish are leaner sources of protein compared to red meat, which may help reduce the risk of a recurrent heart attack. Additionally, red meat is higher in saturated fat, which can contribute to high cholesterol levels and further increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Vegetarianism is a personal choice and may not be appropriate for everyone's dietary needs. Eating small amounts of any type of meat does not provide specific guidance on which types of meats are ideal for heart health.

Question 4

The nurse is assisting with the care of a patient who is receiving an IV with potassium. The nurse recognizes that IV fluids containing potassium are administered slowly and cautiously to prevent which of the following?

Accepted Answer

IV fluids containing potassium are administered slowly and cautiously to prevent cardiac arrest, which can occur if too much potassium is infused too quickly. Potassium can also cause burning or pain at the injection site and can lead to tissue damage if extravasation occurs. The other options (B, C, and D) are not typically associated with administration of IV fluids containing potassium.

Question 5

The nurse is reinforcing teaching for a patient who has Raynaud's disease. Which of these measures should the nurse include to prevent an attack?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding stimulation that causes vasoconstriction is important in preventing an attack in patients with Raynaud's disease. It is also recommended that patients keep affected body areas covered when exposed to cold or stress, but this alone may not be sufficient to prevent an attack. Taking vasopressors or getting plenty of outdoor exercise may actually exacerbate symptoms and should be avoided.

Question 6

The nurse is caring for a patient who is being prepared for coronary atherectomy. Which of the following orders would the nurse expect to administer?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is caring for a patient...

Question 7

The nurse is contributing to a patient's plan of care for varicose veins. Which of these positioning measures should be included in the care plan for a patient who experiences pain from the varicose veins?

Accepted Answer

Elevating the legs helps to reduce pain and swelling caused by varicose veins by improving circulation and decreasing blood pooling in the affected veins. Keeping the legs dependent or crossing them can worsen symptoms. Lying prone may provide some relief, but elevating the legs is a more effective measure.

Question 8

The nurse is caring for a patient who was treated for cardiogenic shock and has an order for captopril (Capoten). Vital signs are blood pressure 120/70 mm Hg, pulse 85 beats/min, and respirations 16 breaths/min. What action should the nurse take regarding this medication?

Accepted Answer

Captopril (Capoten) is an ACE inhibitor used to manage hypertension and heart failure, including improving outcomes after myocardial infarction. The patient's vital signs are stable (BP 120/70 mm Hg, pulse 85 beats/min), indicating it is safe to administer the medication as ordered.

Question 9

The nurse is reinforcing teaching for a patient who has an aneurysm. Which of these patient statements indicates correct understanding of a dissecting aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

A dissecting aneurysm involves a separation of the inner layer of the arterial wall, which can lead to a blood-filled channel along the vessel wall. A is incorrect because this describes a saccular aneurysm, B is incorrect because this describes a fusiform aneurysm, and C is incorrect because this describes an arteriovenous fistula.

Question 10

In teaching a patient about an upcoming cardiac catheterization and coronary arteriogram, which of these statements should the nurse include?

Accepted Answer

Including statement B will help prepare the patient mentally for the procedure and reduce anxiety by setting expectations. The other statements are either not entirely accurate (A and C) or may cause unnecessary fear (D).

Question 11

A patient who has an acute myocardial infarction reports severe chest pressure, "as if someone is standing on my chest." What should the nurse do first?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining vital signs is the first step in assessing the patient's condition and determining the severity of the situation. It provides essential information about the patient's hemodynamic status and helps guide further interventions.

Question 12

The nurse is assisting with care for a patient's who had a myocardial infarction. Which of these specialized diets would be ordered initially?

Accepted Answer

A clear liquid diet is typically the ordered diet for a patient who has had a myocardial infarction as it provides hydration and electrolytes without putting additional strain on the heart. It is also easier on the digestive system than more solid foods. Soft and full liquid diets may be introduced later in the patient's recovery process. An edentulous diet is not specific to cardiac care and is intended for patients who are missing teeth or have difficulty chewing.

Question 13

The nurse is contributing to a patient's teaching plan. The patient is prescribed niacin. What specific recommendation should be included in the teaching plan?

Accepted Answer

Taking aspirin 30 minutes before niacin can help reduce the common side effect of flushing associated with niacin.

Question 14

The nurse is caring for a patient who has a history of angina and all of the following medications prescribed. Which medication would the nurse administer when the patient reports chest pain?

Accepted Answer

Nitroglycerin sublingual (SL) is the standard immediate treatment for angina pectoris (chest pain). It works quickly to dilate blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the heart muscle and relieving pain.

Question 15

The nurse is caring for a patient who has an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Which of these patient statements would indicate understanding of this condition?

Accepted Answer

The definition of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is an outpouching in the wall of the aorta, which is a major artery in the abdomen. Choice A refers to atherosclerosis, choice C refers to venous insufficiency, and choice D refers to deep vein thrombosis.

Question 16

Which of these, if stated by a patient, indicates to the nurse correct understanding of appropriate prevention of varicose veins?

Accepted Answer

Wearing support stockings can help prevent varicose veins by assisting with circulation and preventing blood pooling in the legs. Standing for long periods of time and sitting with legs crossed can exacerbate varicose veins by increasing pressure in the veins. Elevating the head of the bed may help with other conditions such as acid reflux, but it does not have a direct impact on the prevention of varicose veins.

Question 17

The nurse is collecting data for a patient who has chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities. Which of the following findings would be expected?

Accepted Answer

Leathery, brown skin is a typical finding in chronic venous insufficiency due to poor circulation and buildup of hemosiderin, a protein that occurs when red blood cells break down. Diminished or absent pedal pulses and pallor are more commonly associated with arterial insufficiency.

Question 18

The nurse is collecting data for a patient who is experiencing a myocardial infarction (MI). Which of the following findings would be expected?

Accepted Answer

Profuse diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is a common sign of a myocardial infarction as the body tries to compensate for the stress and decreased oxygen supply to the heart muscle. A flushed face, extreme thirst, or a moist cough are not typically associated with an MI.

Question 19

The nurse reinforced teaching on decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Which of these responses by a patient would indicate understanding of teaching on how to reduce triglycerides with lifestyle changes and prescribed medication?

Accepted Answer

The correct response indicates an understanding of the lifestyle changes and medication that can reduce triglyceride levels. Performing daily exercise and eating a low-fat diet are recommended lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Gemfibrozil (Lopid) is a medication that can help reduce triglyceride levels. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they suggest actions that are not recommended for reducing triglycerides or preventing atherosclerosis.

Question 20

The nurse is collecting data on a patient with an aortic aneurysm. Which of these manifestations would the nurse expect to find?

Accepted Answer

Back pain is a common manifestation of an aortic aneurysm, as the aneurysm can put pressure on the back muscles and spinal nerves. Paralysis, chest pain, and ankle edema are not typically associated with an aortic aneurysm.

Quiz 24: Nursing Care of Patients With Occlusive Cardiovascular Disorders