Nursing Care of Patients with Cardiovascular Disorders: Quizzes and Practice Questions

Question 1

What is the most prevalent type of angina?

Accepted Answer

Stable angina

Answer

Unstable angina

Answer

Prinzmetal's angina

Answer

Microvascular angina

Question 2

Identify the most common complication associated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Accepted Answer

Restenosis

Answer

Bleeding

Answer

Infection

Answer

Stroke

Question 3

What is the most common cause of abrupt cardiac death?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular fibrillation

Answer

Ventricular tachycardia

Answer

Pulseless electrical activity

Answer

Asystole

Question 4

What are the primary mechanisms that contribute to the development of cardiovascular disorders?

Accepted Answer

Inflammation and plaque buildup in arteries

Answer

Problems with the electrical signals in the heart

Answer

Degeneration of nerves and muscles

Question 5

In the nursing care of a patient with heart failure, which of the following is essential?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring for fluid overload

Accepted Answer

Educating on a low-sodium diet

Answer

Preventing infection with antibiotics

Answer

Encouraging regular exercise

Question 6

How does interdisciplinary collaboration enhance the care of patients with cardiovascular conditions?

Accepted Answer

It enables coordinated care among healthcare professionals with diverse expertise, leading to improved patient outcomes.

Answer

It primarily aims to reduce healthcare costs by eliminating redundant services.

Answer

It directly minimizes patient discomfort by reducing appointments and procedures.

Question 7

In end-of-life care for patients with cardiovascular disorders, which ethical consideration should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

Respecting the patient's autonomy by honoring their wishes

Answer

Prioritizing the family's preferences over the patient's wishes

Answer

Following the recommendations of the healthcare team without considering the patient's preferences

Question 8

When administering intravenous nitroglycerin, the nurse should closely monitor the patient for:

Accepted Answer

Hypotension

Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Bradycardia

Question 9

When caring for a patient with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which of the following nursing interventions is most important?

Accepted Answer

Preventing pulmonary embolism

Answer

Promoting wound healing

Answer

Relieving pain and edema

Question 10

A patient is receiving digoxin for atrial fibrillation. Which laboratory value should be monitored to assess drug effectiveness?

Accepted Answer

Serum digoxin level

Answer

Potassium level

Answer

Blood urea nitrogen

Answer

White blood cell count

Question 11

Which nursing intervention is most important in the preoperative care of a patient undergoing cardiac catheterization?

Accepted Answer

Obtain informed consent and explain the procedure

Answer

Administer antibiotics

Answer

Shave the patient's chest, groin, and arms

Answer

Monitor the patient's vital signs

Question 12

A patient with myocardial infarction is experiencing severe chest pain that is unrelieved by morphine. Which nursing intervention should be implemented immediately?

Accepted Answer

Administer nitroglycerin sublingually

Answer

Encourage the patient to cough and deep breathe

Answer

Apply warm compresses to the chest

Answer

Elevate the patient's legs

Question 13

Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for a patient with a new diagnosis of congestive heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Activity intolerance related to decreased cardiac output

Answer

Ineffective breathing pattern related to dyspnea

Answer

Risk for impaired skin integrity related to edema

Question 14

A patient with pericarditis is experiencing a pericardial friction rub. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of this condition?

Accepted Answer

A scratchy or grating sound that changes with body position

Answer

A blowing sound that radiates to the neck

Answer

A high-pitched whistling sound

Question 15

A patient with a history of rheumatic fever is at increased risk for which cardiovascular disorder?

Accepted Answer

Valvular heart disease

Answer

Peripheral artery disease

Answer

Myocardial infarction

Answer

Heart failure

Question 16

Which nursing intervention is most important in supporting a patient and family coping with an end-stage cardiac condition?

Accepted Answer

Provide emotional support and encourage open communication

Answer

Minimize discussion of death and dying

Answer

Focus on aggressive medical treatment

Question 17

When monitoring a patient with acute myocardial infarction, which of the following assessments is crucial for evaluating their hemodynamic status?

Accepted Answer

Assessment of vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation)

Answer

Neurological assessment (level of consciousness, pupillary response, and motor function)

Answer

Respiratory assessment (auscultation of breath sounds, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate)

Question 18

During the initial recovery phase following cardiac surgery, which of the following interventions is typically contraindicated?

Accepted Answer

Chest physiotherapy (manual techniques to promote mucus clearance)

Answer

Pain management (administration of analgesics to control discomfort)

Answer

Early ambulation (encouraging the patient to move out of bed as tolerated)

Answer

Wound care (monitoring and dressing surgical incisions)

Question 19

In the treatment of acute heart failure, which class of medications is frequently utilized?

Accepted Answer

Diuretics (medications that promote fluid excretion)

Answer

Antibiotics (medications that combat bacterial infections)

Answer

Antiarrhythmics (medications that regulate heart rhythm)

Answer

Anticoagulants (medications that prevent blood clots)

Question 20

Which of the following factors is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in arteries?

Accepted Answer

Smoking (inhalation of harmful substances that damage blood vessels)

Answer

Healthy diet (consumption of nutrient-rich foods that support cardiovascular function)

Answer

Exercise (regular physical activity that promotes cardiovascular health)

Question 21

When assessing a patient's pulse, which of the following characteristics indicates a healthy pulse?

Accepted Answer

Regular rhythm (consistent intervals between heartbeats), strong force (palpable and easily felt), and appropriate rate (within the normal range)

Answer

Irregular rhythm (uneven intervals between heartbeats), weak force (difficult to feel), and slow rate (below normal range)

Answer

Regular rhythm (consistent intervals between heartbeats), strong force (palpable and easily felt), and rapid rate (above normal range)

Answer

Irregular rhythm (uneven intervals between heartbeats), weak force (difficult to feel), and appropriate rate (within the normal range)

Question 22

When administering nitroglycerin to a patient with angina, which route of administration should the nurse use?

Accepted Answer

Sublingual

Answer

Intramuscular

Answer

Intravenous

Answer

Topical

Question 23

Which of the following medications is a RAAS inhibitor used in the treatment of heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Losartan

Answer

Heparin

Answer

Digoxin

Answer

Furosemide

Question 24

What is the primary nursing goal for a patient undergoing cardiac rehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

Improve the patient's functional capacity.

Answer

Reduce the patient's risk of complications.

Answer

Provide the patient with emotional support.

Question 25

What is the most effective method to prevent infective endocarditis in patients with prosthetic heart valves?

Accepted Answer

Prophylactic antibiotics before dental procedures.

Answer

Frequent blood cultures

Answer

Restrictive fluid intake

Answer

Regular echocardiograms

Question 26

For a patient receiving warfarin (Coumadin) for atrial fibrillation, which lab value is crucial to monitor closely for safe medication administration?

Accepted Answer

International Normalized Ratio (INR)

Answer

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Answer

Troponin levels

Answer

Electrolyte panel

Question 27

Which risk factor for cardiovascular disease can be modified through lifestyle changes?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Age

Answer

Gender

Answer

Family history of heart disease

Question 28

A patient with heart failure presents with dyspnea and orthopnea. Which nursing intervention is most effective in alleviating these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Elevate the patient's head of bed to 30-45 degrees.

Answer

Administer oxygen as prescribed.

Answer

Restrict fluid intake.

Question 29

When teaching a patient about a newly prescribed diuretic medication, which instruction is of utmost importance?

Accepted Answer

Monitor daily weight and report significant changes.

Answer

Take the medication with food to minimize stomach upset.

Answer

Take the medication at bedtime to avoid sleep disturbances.

Question 30

A patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) experiences leg pain during exercise. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Encourage the patient to rest and elevate their legs.

Answer

Assess the patient's blood pressure.

Answer

Administer pain medication as prescribed.

Question 31

A patient with a pacemaker is scheduled for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. What nursing action takes priority?

Accepted Answer

Inform the physician and MRI department about the pacemaker.

Answer

Monitor the patient's heart rhythm during the scan.

Answer

Ensure the patient has signed the consent form.

Question 32

When a patient with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is admitted to the cardiac unit, which nursing intervention should be implemented first?

Accepted Answer

Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and assess vital signs.

Answer

Administer pain medication as prescribed.

Answer

Place the patient on oxygen.

Question 33

Which of the following is a potential complication associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI)?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac arrhythmias

Answer

Peripheral neuropathy

Answer

Pressure ulcer

Answer

Pneumonia

Question 34

What is the overarching goal of nursing care for a patient with congestive heart failure (CHF)?

Accepted Answer

Improve cardiac output and reduce fluid overload

Answer

Provide emotional support

Answer

Prevent infection

Question 35

Which sign may indicate the onset of cardiogenic shock?

Accepted Answer

Oliguria

Answer

Flushed skin

Answer

Increased blood pressure

Answer

Tachycardia

Question 36

What is the recommended dietary approach for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Accepted Answer

A diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Answer

A vegetarian diet.

Answer

A ketogenic diet.

Answer

A diet high in protein and carbohydrates.

Question 37

Which of the following is a recognized risk factor for developing peripheral artery disease (PAD)?

Accepted Answer

Smoking

Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Thinness

Answer

High vitamin D levels

Question 38

What is the primary purpose of cardiac rehabilitation for patients with cardiovascular disorders?

Accepted Answer

To improve functional capacity and reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events.

Answer

To manage anxiety and stress related to the condition.

Answer

To provide pain relief.

Answer

To teach self-care skills.

Question 39

Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of a thromboembolic event in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Sudden onset of focal neurological deficit, such as weakness, numbness, or speech difficulties.

Answer

Chest pain.

Answer

Shortness of breath.

Answer

Nausea and vomiting.

Question 40

What is a crucial nursing intervention for a patient with heart failure who is taking digoxin?

Accepted Answer

Closely monitoring for signs of digoxin toxicity, such as nausea, vomiting, vision changes, and irregular heartbeat.

Answer

Encouraging the patient to rest.

Answer

Providing a diet high in sodium.

Answer

Administering the medication with meals.

Question 41

What is the most prevalent cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in adults?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, which are rapid, irregular heart rhythms.

Answer

Stroke.

Answer

Heart failure.

Answer

Myocardial infarction.

Question 42

A patient with heart failure is admitted to the hospital with severe dyspnea. Which nursing intervention should be prioritized to improve breathing?

Accepted Answer

Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees.

Answer

Assess the patient's vital signs.

Answer

Administer oxygen as ordered.

Answer

Encourage deep breathing exercises.

Question 43

A patient is recovering from a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Which assessment finding should be immediately reported to the physician as it could indicate a serious complication?

Accepted Answer

Decreased urine output.

Answer

Fatigue after ambulation.

Answer

Mild swelling in the legs.

Answer

Pain at the surgical incision site.

Question 44

A patient with atrial fibrillation is receiving warfarin therapy. What is the most important nursing intervention to ensure safe and effective anticoagulation?

Accepted Answer

Monitor the patient's international normalized ratio (INR) regularly.

Answer

Administer warfarin at the same time each day.

Answer

Encourage the patient to avoid contact sports.

Question 45

A patient with a history of hypertension is being discharged home. Which instruction should the nurse emphasize to ensure the patient's long-term health?

Accepted Answer

Take your medications as prescribed, even if you feel well.

Answer

Monitor your blood pressure daily.

Answer

Limit your sodium intake.

Question 46

A patient with stable angina is being discharged home. Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching plan to ensure the patient is prepared to manage their condition?

Accepted Answer

Carry nitroglycerin tablets with you at all times.

Answer

Report any new or worsening chest pain.

Answer

Maintain a healthy weight.

Answer

Avoid strenuous activity.

Question 47

Which of the following is a common symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD) that a patient might experience?

Accepted Answer

Intermittent claudication.

Answer

Edema in the legs.

Answer

Shortness of breath.

Question 48

A patient with a pacemaker is admitted to the hospital. Which nursing intervention is most important to ensure the pacemaker is functioning correctly and prevent complications?

Accepted Answer

Assess the patient's pacemaker function regularly.

Answer

Educate the patient about the pacemaker's limitations.

Answer

Encourage the patient to avoid contact sports.

Answer

Monitor the patient's blood pressure frequently.

Question 49

A patient with heart failure is experiencing fluid overload. Which nursing intervention is appropriate to reduce fluid retention and improve symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Administer diuretics as ordered.

Answer

Restrict fluid intake.

Answer

Elevate the patient's legs.

Question 50

A patient with a history of coronary artery disease is undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. What is the primary goal of this program to improve the patient's overall health and well-being?

Accepted Answer

To improve the patient's functional capacity and reduce the risk of future cardiac events.

Answer

To teach the patient about healthy eating habits.

Answer

To help the patient lose weight.

Question 51

A patient is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of endocarditis. What is the primary nursing intervention to combat the infection and prevent complications?

Accepted Answer

Administer antibiotics as ordered.

Answer

Monitor the patient's temperature closely.

Answer

Encourage the patient to rest.

Answer

Assess the patient's pain level.