Concept
Perfusion is defined as:
A. The ability of the heart to pump blood only to the brain
B. The process of blood flow through arteries and capillaries to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues
C. The movement of oxygen from alveoli to red blood cells
D. The ability of the lungs to oxygenate blood
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Perfusion refers to blood flow through the circulatory system to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues. Oxygen exchange in the lungs (C, D) and the heart pumping to the brain alone (A) are incorrect.
Which condition is an example of a central perfusion issue?
A. Myocardial infarction
B. Stroke
C. Peripheral artery disease
D. Deep vein thrombosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Myocardial infarction affects the heart’s ability to pump blood (central perfusion). Stroke (B), PAD (C), and DVT (D) affect tissue perfusi
Which vital sign changes may indicate impaired perfusion? (Select all that apply.)
A. Hypotension
B. Tachycardia
C. Bradycardia
D. Hypertension
E. Increased temperature
Correct Answers: A, B, D
Rationale: Blood pressure and heart rate changes can indicate perfusion issues. Temperature (E) is not a direct indicator.
Which lifestyle modification is recommended for patients with hypertension?
A. Increasing sodium intake
B. Regular aerobic exercise
C. Smoking tobacco
D. Reducing hydration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Exercise helps manage hypertension.
A patient with newly diagnosed hypertension asks why they need to take medication if they feel fine. What is the best nurse response?
A. "You should only take your medication if your blood pressure is high."
B. "High blood pressure can damage your organs over time, even if you don’t feel symptoms."
C. "If you feel fine now, you likely won’t have any problems later."
D. "You can stop taking the medication once your blood pressure is normal."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypertension is often asymptomatic but can lead to organ damage if untreated. Patients should take medications consistently.
Which of the following interrelated concepts directly impact perfusion? (Select all that apply.)
A. Gas exchange
B. Elimination
C. Cognition
D. Inflammation
E. Digestion
Correct Answers: A, C, D
Rationale: Perfusion is related to gas exchange (oxygen delivery), cognition (brain perfusion), and inflammation (vascular response). Elimination and digestion are less directly related.
A patient with atrial fibrillation is at increased risk for which complication?
A. Myocardial infarction
B. Deep vein thrombosis
C. Stroke
D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of embolic stroke due to clot formation.
Which finding during a physical exam suggests poor perfusion?
A. Warm extremities
B. Capillary refill of 1 second
C. Pale, cool skin
D. Strong peripheral pulses
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pale, cool skin indicates reduced blood flow.
Which interventions promote venous return? (Select all that apply.)
A. Elevating legs
B. Wearing compression stockings
C. Prolonged bedrest
D. Walking frequently
E. Crossing legs while sitting
Correct Answers: A, B, D
Rationale: Elevation, compression, and movement promote circulation.
Which dietary recommendations should the nurse include when educating a patient with cardiovascular disease? (Select all that apply.)
A. Increase intake of fruits and vegetables
B. Choose whole grains instead of refined grains
C. Increase sodium intake for fluid retention
D. Limit saturated fats and processed foods
E. Drink at least six sodas per day for energy
Correct Answers: A, B, D
Rationale: A heart-healthy diet includes fruits, whole grains, and limited saturated fats. Excess sodium and sugar should be avoided.
Which statement best describes central perfusion?
A. It refers to blood flow in a specific organ or tissue
B. It is dependent on the heart’s ability to generate cardiac output
C. It involves clotting within a blood vessel
D. It is independent of the autonomic nervous system
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Central perfusion is the heart’s ability to generate cardiac output, which affects overall blood flow. Tissue perfusion (A), clotting (C), and nervous system independence (D) are incorrect.
Which of the following are risk factors for impaired perfusion? (Select all that apply.)
A. Hypertension
B. Smoking
C. Sedentary lifestyle
D. Bradycardia
E. Increased hydration
Correct Answers: A, B, C
Rationale: Hypertension, smoking, and inactivity contribute to perfusion issues. Bradycardia (D) is not always a risk, and hydration (E) can support circulation.
Which lab test is commonly used to evaluate perfusion in heart failure?
A. BNP
B. Hemoglobin
C. D-dimer
D. Troponin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: BNP assesses heart failure severity.
Which medications improve perfusion? (Select all that apply.)
A. Anticoagulants
B. Vasodilators
C. Diuretics
D. Antihistamines
E. Thrombolytics
Correct Answers: A, B, C, E
Rationale: These medications help manage blood flow and clotting.
A patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) is being discharged. Which statement indicates they need further teaching?
A. "I should stop smoking to improve circulation."
B. "I should avoid extreme cold to prevent vasoconstriction."
C. "I should soak my feet in hot water daily to improve blood flow."
D. "I should inspect my feet daily for cuts or sores."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Patients with PAD should avoid extreme heat, which can lead to burns due to decreased sensation. Daily foot inspections are essential.
Which of the following situations may impair perfusion? (Select all that apply.)
A. A patient with atrial fibrillation
B. A patient with hypotension
C. A patient with well-controlled hypertension
D. A patient with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
E. A patient with high cardiac output
Correct Answers: A, B, D
Rationale: Atrial fibrillation reduces cardiac efficiency, hypotension decreases blood flow, and a DVT can obstruct circulation. Well-controlled hypertension (C) and high cardiac output (E) do not impair perfusion.
Which patient is at highest risk for developing tissue perfusion issues?
A. A 25-year-old athlete
B. A 50-year-old smoker with PAD
C. A 40-year-old with low cholesterol
D. A 30-year-old with controlled diabetes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: PAD and smoking impair blood flow to tissues, increasing perfusion risk.
What is a normal capillary refill time in a healthy adult?
A. 1-2 seconds
B. 3-4 seconds
C. 5-6 seconds
D. Greater than 6 seconds
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Normal capillary refill is <3 seconds; longer times suggest perfusion issues.
Which intervention helps prevent blood clots in hospitalized patients?
A. Encouraging ambulation
B. Restricting fluids
C. Applying cold packs
D. Administering opioids
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ambulation prevents clot formation
Which of the following should be included in discharge teaching for a patient with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)? (Select all that apply.)
A. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing
B. Take anticoagulants as prescribed
C. Use compression stockings if recommended
D. Massage legs frequently to improve circulation
E. Stay hydrated to prevent clot formation
Correct Answers: A, B, C, E
Rationale: Preventing DVT recurrence includes movement, medication adherence, compression therapy, and hydration. Leg massage (D) is not recommended due to the risk of dislodging a clot.
Which condition results from impaired perfusion due to an arterial blockage in the brain?
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Stroke
C. Peripheral artery disease
D. Deep vein thrombosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A stroke occurs due to an arterial blockage in the brain. Pulmonary embolism (A) affects the lungs, PAD (C) affects the limbs, and DVT (D) is a venous clot.
What is the primary concern with hypertension over time?
A. Increases capillary refill time
B. Increases blood viscosity
C. Damages blood vessels and organs
D. Causes increased oxygen absorption
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Chronic hypertension damages vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Which imaging test evaluates blood flow in arteries?
A. ECG
B. Ultrasound
C. CBC
D. Chest X-ray
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ultrasound (e.g., Doppler) assesses blood flow.
A patient with PAD should be advised to:
A. Avoid exercise
B. Keep legs elevated at all times
C. Stop smoking
D. Increase saturated fat intake
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Smoking worsens PAD by causing vasoconstriction.
A nurse is educating a patient with heart failure about daily self-care. Which statement by the patient requires further teaching?
A. "I should weigh myself daily and report sudden weight gain."
B. "I should limit my fluid intake if my doctor advises me to."
C. "I should take my diuretics in the morning to prevent nighttime urination."
D. "I can stop taking my medications once I feel better."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Heart failure medications are lifelong and should not be stopped without a provider’s direction.