NURS 6101 Health Assessment – Cardiovascular Questions
With Complete Solutions
Allen Test Correct Answers -evaluate patency of arterial
network (ulnar and radial pulses)
-examiner occludes both; pt pumps fist until it turns white
-release one occlusion, pinkness in hand should return
-both arteries must work in able to maintain blood flow to hand
when using ulnar artery to withdraw blood for ABG (arterial
blood gas)
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Correct Answers -outpatient test
for stenosis (narrowing) >50% of lower extremities.
-measure systolic blood pressure (with Doppler) in each arm and
in pedal pulses
-calculate reading for right and left
-divide systolic arm pressure by systolic ankle pressure
0.90-1.30 = normal
0.41-0.90 = mild to moderate disease
0.00-0.40 = severe disease with critical stenosis
Areas for Heart Health Promotion Correct Answers Exercise,
healthy diet (decreased fatty foods, red meat), smoking, alcohol,
decrease stress, management of comorbid disorders (i.e.
hypertension)
Arterial spasm Correct Answers fingers and toes; correlates
with heart disease; vasospasm of arteries impedes blood to heart;
ask pt if fingertips or toes ever change color in cold weather or
when you handle cold objects
, Assessing the Carotid Pulse Correct Answers -Keep pt's head
elevated to 45 deg
-Place your index finger and middle fingers on the right then the
left carotid arteries, and palpate the carotid upstroke
-Never palpate right and left carotid arteries simultaneously
Assessment of hear risk factors Correct Answers family history,
obesity, age, high cholesteral/blood pressure, drug use (cocaine),
diabetes, prolonged bulimia, gender, race
Auscultation of Bruit Correct Answers lightly apply bell-avoid
compressing carotid artery (could create an artificial bruit or
compromise circulation in a patient with atherosclerosis
3 places to auscultate: angle of jaw, midcervial area, base of
neck
Auscultation of S3 & S4 Correct Answers abnormal diastolic
filling sounds heard best at apex on left side with bell of
stethoscope
Bicuspid/Mitral Correct Answers atrioventricular valve; LEFT
side of heart
bicuspid + aortic valves help keep oxygenated blood flowing to
the body
Blood flow Correct Answers superior vena cava > rt atrium to
reoxygenate > tricuspid > rt ventricle > pulmonary arteries >
lungs > pulmonary veins > left atrium > left ventricle > aortic
valve > aorta > rest of body
With Complete Solutions
Allen Test Correct Answers -evaluate patency of arterial
network (ulnar and radial pulses)
-examiner occludes both; pt pumps fist until it turns white
-release one occlusion, pinkness in hand should return
-both arteries must work in able to maintain blood flow to hand
when using ulnar artery to withdraw blood for ABG (arterial
blood gas)
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Correct Answers -outpatient test
for stenosis (narrowing) >50% of lower extremities.
-measure systolic blood pressure (with Doppler) in each arm and
in pedal pulses
-calculate reading for right and left
-divide systolic arm pressure by systolic ankle pressure
0.90-1.30 = normal
0.41-0.90 = mild to moderate disease
0.00-0.40 = severe disease with critical stenosis
Areas for Heart Health Promotion Correct Answers Exercise,
healthy diet (decreased fatty foods, red meat), smoking, alcohol,
decrease stress, management of comorbid disorders (i.e.
hypertension)
Arterial spasm Correct Answers fingers and toes; correlates
with heart disease; vasospasm of arteries impedes blood to heart;
ask pt if fingertips or toes ever change color in cold weather or
when you handle cold objects
, Assessing the Carotid Pulse Correct Answers -Keep pt's head
elevated to 45 deg
-Place your index finger and middle fingers on the right then the
left carotid arteries, and palpate the carotid upstroke
-Never palpate right and left carotid arteries simultaneously
Assessment of hear risk factors Correct Answers family history,
obesity, age, high cholesteral/blood pressure, drug use (cocaine),
diabetes, prolonged bulimia, gender, race
Auscultation of Bruit Correct Answers lightly apply bell-avoid
compressing carotid artery (could create an artificial bruit or
compromise circulation in a patient with atherosclerosis
3 places to auscultate: angle of jaw, midcervial area, base of
neck
Auscultation of S3 & S4 Correct Answers abnormal diastolic
filling sounds heard best at apex on left side with bell of
stethoscope
Bicuspid/Mitral Correct Answers atrioventricular valve; LEFT
side of heart
bicuspid + aortic valves help keep oxygenated blood flowing to
the body
Blood flow Correct Answers superior vena cava > rt atrium to
reoxygenate > tricuspid > rt ventricle > pulmonary arteries >
lungs > pulmonary veins > left atrium > left ventricle > aortic
valve > aorta > rest of body
