Valves
A client with aortic regurgitation is being monitored. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect?
A. Diastolic murmur at the left sternal border
B. Systolic murmur at the apex
C. Loud S1 and split S2
D. Jugular vein distention
A. Diastolic murmur at the left sternal border
A client with restrictive cardiomyopathy is admitted with fatigue and peripheral edema. Which pathophysiologic change is most responsible for these symptoms?
A. Ventricular dilation leading to systolic dysfunction
B. Thickened ventricular walls causing outflow obstruction
C. Stiff ventricles causing impaired diastolic filling
D. Valve regurgitation increasing atrial pressure
C. Stiff ventricles causing impaired diastolic filling
What are the risks factors for heart failure?
Hypertension and coronary artery disease
A nurse is assessing a client with PAD. Which finding is most typical?
A. Warm, red extremities with edema
B. Thin, shiny skin with hair loss on the legs
C. Cyanosis that improves with leg elevation
D. Thick, dark toenails with swelling
B. Thin, shiny skin with hair loss on the legs
A client is prescribed losartan for hypertension. Which statement by the client indicates they understand teaching?
A. “I will stop taking it if I get a dry cough.”
B. “I should take this medication at the same time each day.”
C. “I don’t need to worry about potassium levels.”
D. “This medication can cause my heart rate to drop dangerously low.”
B. “I should take this medication at the same time each day.”
A client with mitral valve prolapse asks why their provider recommends avoiding caffeine. Which explanation should the nurse provide?
A. “Caffeine increases blood pressure and can trigger palpitations.”
B. “Caffeine causes fluid retention in the lungs.”
C. “Caffeine increases your risk for blood clots.”
D. “Caffeine decreases oxygen to your heart.”
A. “Caffeine increases blood pressure and can trigger palpitations.”
A client with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is scheduled for discharge. Which statement by the client indicates correct understanding?
A. “I can participate in competitive sports as long as I take my medications.”
B. “I should avoid strenuous activity and follow my medication plan.”
C. “I don’t need regular follow-up since I feel fine at rest.”
D. “I should elevate my legs above my heart to prevent swelling.”
B. “I should avoid strenuous activity and follow my medication plan.”
A client with left-sided heart failure has crackles in the lungs, dyspnea, and an SpO₂ of 89% on room air. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?
A. Place the client in high-Fowler’s position
B. Restrict oral fluids
C. Administer prescribed beta-blocker
D. Weigh the client
A. Place the client in high-Fowler’s position
Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care for a client with chronic venous insufficiency?
A. Encourage long periods of sitting to reduce leg fatigue
B. Apply warm compresses to the legs to improve circulation
C. Elevate legs above the heart and encourage ambulation
D. Limit fluid intake to reduce edema
C. Elevate legs above the heart and encourage ambulation
A client is prescribed spironolactone. Which lab value would require immediate notification of the provider before administering the medication?
A. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L
B. Sodium 140 mEq/L
C. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L
D. Chloride 102 mEq/L
C. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L
A client with aortic stenosis reports chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath with activity. Why do these symptoms occur?
A. Blood flows backward into the left atrium
B. The left ventricle must work harder to pump blood through a narrowed valve
C. Blood pools in the lower extremities
D. The mitral valve does not close properly
B. The left ventricle must work harder to pump blood through a narrowed valve
A client with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is complaining of chest pain and shortness of breath during activity. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Encourage strenuous exercise to strengthen the heart
B. Administer prescribed beta-blocker before activity
C. Elevate the legs above heart level during activity
D. Limit fluid intake to prevent overload
B. Administer prescribed beta-blocker before activity
A client with chronic heart failure is prescribed furosemide 40 mg IV daily. The client’s potassium level is 3.0 mEq/L. What should the nurse do?
A. Administer the furosemide as ordered
B. Hold the furosemide and notify the provider
C. Increase the furosemide dose
D. Encourage the client to drink more water
B. Hold the furosemide and notify the provider
A nurse is teaching a client with PAD about ways to manage symptoms. Which statement by the client indicates correct understanding?
A. “I should elevate my legs above my heart to improve blood flow.”
B. “I will stop walking if I feel pain in my legs during exercise.”
C. “I should walk until I feel moderate pain, then rest, and repeat.”
D. “I should avoid exercise to prevent leg pain.”
C. “I should walk until I feel moderate pain, then rest, and repeat.”
A client is prescribed hydrochlorothiazide for hypertension. Which teaching point is most important?
A. Take the medication at night to reduce daytime urination
B. Monitor blood pressure and potassium levels regularly
C. Avoid foods high in potassium
D. Stop the medication if you feel dizzy
B. Monitor blood pressure and potassium levels regularly
A client with mitral valve regurgitation is experiencing fatigue and shortness of breath. Which finding would the nurse most likely expect on assessment?
A. Loud S1 heart sound
B. Systolic murmur at the apex
C. Diastolic murmur at the aortic area
D. Widely split S2
B. Systolic murmur at the apex
A client with dilated cardiomyopathy is at highest risk for which complication?
A. Stroke
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Heart failure
D. Pneumonia
C. Heart failure
A client with left-sided heart failure has a sudden onset of dyspnea, tachypnea, and pink frothy sputum. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Place the client in high-Fowler’s position
B. Administer furosemide as ordered
C. Monitor oxygen saturation
D. Notify the provider
A. Place the client in high-Fowler’s position
A nurse is assessing a client with Buerger’s disease. Which assessment finding is most typical?
A. Pain in the legs relieved by rest
B. Cold, numb, and cyanotic fingers or toes
C. Swelling in the ankles and feet
D. Bright red, warm extremities
B. Cold, numb, and cyanotic fingers or toes
A client is prescribed digoxin 0.125 mg daily for heart failure. Which assessment finding would cause the nurse to hold the medication?
A. Apical pulse 58 bpm
B. Blood pressure 120/70 mm Hg
C. Respirations 18 per minute
D. Oxygen saturation 95%
A. Apical pulse 58 bpm
A nurse is assessing a client with mitral stenosis. Which finding is most characteristic?
A. Systolic murmur heard at the apex
B. Dyspnea on exertion and diastolic murmur
C. Loud S1 with wide splitting of S2
D. Pulsus paradoxus
B. Dyspnea on exertion and diastolic murmur
A nurse is assessing a client with dilated cardiomyopathy. Which finding is most likely?
A. Thickened ventricular walls with small chamber size
B. Enlarged ventricles with decreased contractility
C. Normal-sized ventricles with diastolic dysfunction
D. Stiff ventricles with preserved systolic function
B. Enlarged ventricles with decreased contractility
A client with chronic heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which lab value should the nurse monitor closely?
A. Serum potassium
B. Blood glucose
C. Serum creatinine
D. Hemoglobin
A. Serum potassium
A client with severe Raynaud’s phenomenon is prescribed a calcium channel blocker. What is the primary purpose of this medication?
A. Reduce blood pressure only
B. Dilate blood vessels to improve blood flow to extremities
C. Increase heart rate to improve perfusion
D. Prevent infection in fingers and toes
B. Dilate blood vessels to improve blood flow to extremities
A client is prescribed oral potassium chloride for hypokalemia. Which instruction should the nurse give the client?
A. Take the medication with a full glass of water and with meals
B. Take it on an empty stomach to increase absorption
C. Crush the tablets before swallowing
D. Limit fluid intake while taking the medication
A. Take the medication with a full glass of water and with meals