Question 1

A patient diagnosed with angina asks the nurse why she experiences chest pain while walking up stairs.The nurse explains that which of the following has likely occurred in this patient?

Accepted Answer

Narrowing of the coronary arteries can lead to angina because it reduces blood flow to the heart muscle, especially during increased physical activity like walking up stairs, causing chest pain.

Question 2

A cardiovascular nurse is orienting a new nurse to the unit.The new nurse questions the steps of the normal cardiac conduction system.The senior nurse explains that action potentials in the myocardium follow which sequence?

Accepted Answer

The normal cardiac conduction system initiates an electrical impulse at the sinoatrial (SA) node, then it travels through the internodal pathways to the atrioventricular (AV) node, continues down the bundle of His, and finally spreads through the Purkinje fibers to the rest of the heart. This sequence ensures the coordinated contraction of the atria and ventricles.

Question 3

A patient with iron-deficiency anemia has a low hemoglobin level.Select the priority nursing diagnosis for this patient.

Accepted Answer

Impaired Tissue Perfusion is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with iron-deficiency anemia and low hemoglobin levels because anemia reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, potentially leading to inadequate tissue perfusion.

Question 4

A patient suffers a myocardial infarction of the right atrium.The nurse notices that the patient is in an irregular heart rhythm.From this information, the nurse infers there is a disturbance of which node of the cardiac conduction system?

Accepted Answer

The Sinoatrial (SA) node, located in the right atrium, is responsible for initiating the electrical impulses that determine heart rhythm. A myocardial infarction affecting the right atrium could disrupt the SA node's function, leading to an irregular heart rhythm.

Question 5

A patient is in acute renal failure.During this period, the patient's erythrocyte count might drop.The nurse understands that this might be due to a deficiency of:

Accepted Answer

Erythropoietin, produced by the kidneys, stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. In acute renal failure, the decreased production of erythropoietin can lead to a reduced erythrocyte count.

Question 6

A nurse is reading a patient's chart and notes that the patient's cardiac output (CO)is listed as 5 L/min.The nurse is aware that this measurement is equal to:

Accepted Answer

Cardiac output (CO) is calculated by multiplying the stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped by the heart with each beat, measured in mL/beat) by the heart rate (the number of beats per minute). This formula reflects the total volume of blood the heart pumps per minute.

Question 7

The nurse understands that which vitamin is essential the process of coagulation?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors, which are necessary for blood coagulation.

Question 8

After a stressful event, a patient's blood pressure and heart rate rise.The nurse understands that the system most responsible for this physiologic change is:

Accepted Answer

The autonomic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, which increases heart rate and blood pressure during stressful events.

Question 9

After an acute myocardial infarction of the left ventricle, a patient has irreversible cellular necrosis of the myocardium.The nurse planning care determines that which of the following nursing diagnoses would be the highest priority at this time?

Accepted Answer

Decreased Cardiac Output is the highest priority nursing diagnosis following an acute myocardial infarction of the left ventricle due to the direct impact on the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, which is critical for maintaining vital organ perfusion.

Question 10

A patient has a heart rate of 78 beats per minute.The node most likely to be producing this heart rate is the:

Accepted Answer

The sinoatrial (SA) node is known as the natural pacemaker of the heart and is responsible for initiating the electrical impulses that determine heart rate. A normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute, so a heart rate of 78 beats per minute is most likely being produced by the SA node.

Question 11

During morning rounds, the nurse is told one of her patients will need a platelet transfusion.From this information, the nurse infers that which of the following should be removed from a patient's room?

Accepted Answer

Shaving razors should be removed because a patient needing a platelet transfusion is at increased risk of bleeding due to low platelet count, and razors could cause cuts that may lead to excessive bleeding.

Question 12

A low-fat, low-sodium diet is often prescribed for patients with high blood pressure and risk factors for coronary artery disease.One rationale for this diet is:

Accepted Answer

A low-fat, low-sodium diet helps decrease serum lipid levels, which can reduce the buildup of plaque in coronary arteries, thereby lowering the risk of coronary artery disease.

Question 13

Body cells require oxygen-rich blood for aerobic metabolism.The nurse explains that which organs bring oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide from it?

Accepted Answer

The lungs are responsible for gas exchange, bringing oxygen into the blood and removing carbon dioxide from it, which is a crucial part of aerobic metabolism.

Question 14

When the left ventricle hypertrophies, the nurse monitors for decreased tissue perfusion.Which of the following assessment findings would represent decreased tissue perfusion?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged capillary refill is a direct indicator of decreased tissue perfusion, as it reflects impaired blood flow to the extremities.

Question 15

A leukopenic patient is placed in a private room, and visitors are limited.These precautions are taken in order to:

Accepted Answer

Leukopenia is a condition characterized by a decreased number of white blood cells, which compromises the patient's immune system, making them more susceptible to infections. Placing the patient in a private room and limiting visitors are measures taken to protect the patient from potential infections that could be brought in by others, as their compromised immune system makes them less capable of fighting off infections.

Question 16

A patient asks the nurse which blood vessels supply blood to the heart muscle.The nurse correctly responds:

Accepted Answer

The coronary arteries are responsible for supplying blood to the heart muscle, ensuring it receives the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly.

Question 17

A nurse is preparing to administer a medication known to increase preload.The expected outcome will be:

Accepted Answer

An increase in preload typically leads to an increase in cardiac output, as it increases the volume of blood the heart pumps with each beat, according to the Frank-Starling law of the heart.

Question 18

The nurse is performing a cardiovascular assessment on a patient.Which of the following is not included during this assessment?

Accepted Answer

Palmar erythema is not specifically related to a cardiovascular assessment; it is more commonly associated with liver disease or rheumatologic conditions. Auscultation of the heart, palpation of the carotid pulse, and inspection of the jugular veins are all standard components of a cardiovascular examination.

Question 19

At a community health fair, a nurse stresses the importance of a cardiac-prudent diet and exercise routine in order to help prevent coronary artery disease.The rationale for this teaching is based on the fact that:

Accepted Answer

Coronary arteries are responsible for supplying the heart muscle (myocardium) with oxygen-rich blood and nutrients. A healthy diet and regular exercise contribute to the overall health of these arteries, reducing the risk of coronary artery disease by preventing or slowing the buildup of plaque that can narrow these arteries, leading to heart disease.

Question 20

A patient with cirrhosis is due to have a liver biopsy performed.The nurse plans to remain at the bedside after the procedure to monitor for:

Accepted Answer

Bleeding is a primary concern after a liver biopsy due to the high vascularity of the liver and the potential for hemorrhage post-procedure.

Quiz 31: Review of the Cardiovascular System