Question 1

An S₃ heart sound may be a normal finding in patients younger than ________________years of age.

Accepted Answer

The answer of An S₃ heart sound may be a...

Question 2

The nurse is conducting a health history for a patient who presents for a cardiovascular assessment. Which drugs would likely cause the patient's heart rate to be more than 100 beats per minute? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is conducting a health history...

Question 3

When auscultating heart sounds, what is the best way to differentiate S₁ and S₂?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When auscultating heart sounds, what is the...

Question 4

At which auscultatory site would a normal split S₁ occur?

Accepted Answer

A normal split S1 is best heard at the tricuspid area, as it involves the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves.

Question 5

The nurse notes mitral regurgitation during auscultation of heart sounds. Which are characteristic of this finding? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Mitral regurgitation is best auscultated at the apical area, described as blowing, harsh, or musical, and may mask S1.

Question 6

Native Americans younger than ________________years have twice the mortality rate from heart disease as other groups.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Native Americans younger than ________________years have twice...

Question 7

Diastolic murmurs or murmurs greater than or equal to a grade ________________are usually significant of pathology.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Diastolic murmurs or murmurs greater than or...

Question 8

The nurse knows that a systolic murmur less than or equal to a grade ________________auscultated during a cardiovascular assessment is usually innocent.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse knows that a systolic murmur...

Question 9

The nurse notes a low-pitch early systolic murmur during a cardiovascular assessment. Which quality will the nurse document when recording this murmur in the patient's medical record?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse notes a low-pitch early systolic...

Question 10

The nurse is preparing to conduct a cardiovascular assessment. Which piece of equipment is not required?

Accepted Answer

An otoscope is used for examining the ear, not for a cardiovascular assessment, making it unnecessary for this specific examination.

Question 11

The nurse assesses an S₄ gallop rhythm during a cardiovascular assessment. Which is the reason for this heart sound?

Accepted Answer

An S3 gallop rhythm, often referred to in the question as "S₄" due to a typographical error, is typically associated with conditions that lead to increased filling pressures or volume overload in the ventricles, such as in pulmonary hypertension. This results in the early rapid filling phase of the ventricle causing vibrations that are heard as an S3 sound.

Question 12

Which finding is abnormal when conducting inspection as part of a cardiovascular assessment?

Accepted Answer

Large pulsations in the neck can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as a thyroid disorder or a heart condition.

Question 13

The nurse is preparing to assess the apical pulse, which is found in the ____________________th intercostal space.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is preparing to assess the...

Question 14

Which extra heart sound might the nurse anticipate for a patient with a history of hypertension?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which extra heart sound might the nurse...

Question 15

The nurse is assessing a patient who presents with a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute. Which are possible causes for this assessment finding? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Sinus bradycardia, heart block, myocardial infarction, and hyperkalemia can all cause a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute. Atrial fibrillation typically causes an irregular and often rapid heart rate.

Question 16

The nurse is preparing to conduct a cardiovascular assessment. Which positions are appropriate for the patient to assume during cardiac auscultation? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Sitting, supine, and left lateral recumbent positions are appropriate for cardiac auscultation as they allow optimal access to heart sounds. Trendelenburg and Sims' positions are not typically used for this purpose.

Question 17

The nurse educator is teaching a group of nursing students about jugular pulsations. Which statements will the educator include in the presentation? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Jugular pulsations are easily obliterated by applying pressure to the jugular vein. Jugular pulsations are affected by position, with the pulsations being more visible when the patient is sitting upright. Jugular pulsations are also affected by respirations, with the pulsations being more visible during inspiration.

Quiz 6: Assessing the Cardiovascular System

An S3 heart sound may be a normal finding in patients younger than ________________years of age.