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Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. A client on a beta blocker has a blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the beta blocker as ordered.
- C. Administer a diuretic to reduce blood pressure.
- D. Continue to monitor the client and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. A blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg is already low, and beta blockers can further decrease blood pressure. Administering the beta blocker can potentially worsen the situation, leading to complications. Administering a diuretic or continuing to monitor the client without taking immediate action could delay necessary intervention. Therefore, holding the beta blocker and involving the healthcare provider promptly is crucial in this scenario.
2. What procedure is used to visualize the airways and diagnose lung disease?
- A. Bronchoscopy
- B. Thoracentesis
- C. Pulmonary function test
- D. Chest X-ray
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Bronchoscopy is the correct answer because it is a procedure specifically designed to visualize the airways and diagnose lung diseases by allowing doctors to examine the inside of the airways. Thoracentesis involves the removal of fluid from the pleural space around the lungs, not the airways. Pulmonary function tests assess how well the lungs work but do not visualize the airways directly. A chest X-ray provides an image of the lungs and surrounding structures but does not involve direct visualization of the airways.
3. The client on spironolactone (Aldactone) has a potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer a potassium supplement.
- C. Continue the spironolactone as ordered.
- D. Increase the dose of spironolactone.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: With a potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L, which is high, the priority action for the nurse is to hold the spironolactone. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can further increase potassium levels. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent exacerbating hyperkalemia by discontinuing the medication. Notifying the healthcare provider is necessary for further guidance and potential adjustments to the treatment plan. Administering a potassium supplement (Choice B) would be contraindicated since the client already has elevated potassium levels. Continuing the spironolactone as ordered (Choice C) can worsen hyperkalemia. Increasing the dose of spironolactone (Choice D) would be unsafe and exacerbate the high potassium levels.
4. This is a procedure where a small mesh tube is inserted into an artery to keep it open and improve blood flow.
- A. Stent placement
- B. Angioplasty
- C. Bypass surgery
- D. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Stent placement is a procedure where a small mesh tube (stent) is inserted into an artery to keep it open and improve blood flow, often following angioplasty.
5. What procedure is used to remove fluid from the pleural space to help a patient breathe more easily?
- A. Thoracentesis
- B. Bronchoscopy
- C. Echocardiogram
- D. CT scan
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Thoracentesis is the correct answer. It is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the pleural space to drain fluid, relieving pressure and helping the patient breathe more easily. Bronchoscopy (choice B) is a procedure used to examine the airways, not to drain fluid. An echocardiogram (choice C) is an imaging test to assess the heart's structure and function, not related to draining pleural fluid. A CT scan (choice D) is a cross-sectional imaging test that provides detailed pictures of the inside of the body, not used for draining pleural fluid.
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