A client presents with chest pain described as a pressure and squeezing sensation that is
steady and severe. The nurse would suspect which system as the most likely source? - Answers
Cardiac
When describing the cardiac cycle to a group of students, the instructor correlates heart sounds
with events of the cycle. Which heart sound would the instructor explain as being associated
with systole? - Answers S1
A client complains of difficulty sleeping, stating he has to sit up with the help of several pillows
and cannot breathe when lying flat. This client has a condition known as what? - Answers
Orthopnea
How should a nurse assess a client for pulse rate deficit? - Answers Assess for a difference
between the apical and radial pulse
In order to palpate an apical pulse when performing a cardiac assessment, where should the
nurse place the fingers? - Answers left midclavicular line at the fifth intercostal space
A nurse performs an initial health history on a client admitted for new onset of chest pain.
Which data is considered subjective for the cardiovascular system? - Answers No current
medications or treatments
A nurse experiences difficulty with palpation of the apical impulse on the precordium. What is
an appropriate action by the nurse? - Answers Ask the client to assume the left lateral position
A nurse cares for a client who suffered a myocardial infarction two (2) days ago. A high pitched,
scratchy, scraping sound is heard that increase with exhalation and when the client leans
forward. The nurse recognizes this sound as a result of what process occurring within the
pericardium? - Answers Inflammation of the pericardial sac
A 58-year-old teacher presents with breathlessness with activity. The client has no chronic
conditions and does not take any medications, herbs, or supplements. Which of the following
symptoms is appropriate to ask about in the cardiovascular review of systems? - Answers
Orthopnea
A 52-year-old man is skeptical about the potentially harmful effect of his smoking on his heart,
citing the fact that both his father and grandfather lived long lives despite being lifelong
smokers. Which of the following facts would underlie the explanation that the nurse provides
the client? - Answers Smoking increases the heart's workload and contributes to atherosclerosis.
A nurse auscultates a client's heart sounds and obtains a rate of 56 beats per minute. How
should this rate be documented by the nurse? - Answers Bradycardia
A nurse cares for a client who suffered a myocardial infarction 2 days ago. A high-pitched,
, scratchy, scraping sound is heard that increases with exhalation and when the client leans
forward. The nurse recognizes this sound as a result of what process occurring within the
pericardium? - Answers Inflammation of the pericardial sac
A nurse is working with a client who recently suffered a heart attack. As a result, the client has
experienced the death of the muscle tissues that make up the thickest layer of the heart. This
layer of muscle is known as which of the following? - Answers Myocardium
While auscultating the client's heart at the third intercostal space and on the left sternal border,
the nurse notes a high-pitched, scratchy sound that increases with exhalation with the client
leaning forward. How would the nurse document the findings? - Answers Pericardial friction rub
The nurse is integrating health promotion education into the assessment of a client's heart and
neck vessels. What teaching point addresses the most significant risk factor for coronary artery
disease? - Answers "Your risk for heart disease will drop greatly if you're able to stop smoking."
The nurse is providing teaching about cardiovascular disease in a community setting. What risk
factors would the nurse identify to the group as those they can modify through lifestyle choices?
Select all that apply. - Answers Smoking
Blood pressure
Cholesterol
The nurse assesses a hospitalized adult client and observes that the client's jugular veins are
fully extended. The nurse contacts the client's physician because the client's signs are indicative
of - Answers increased central venous pressure.
A community health nurse is planning a screening day for blood pressure and
cholesterol. What kind of prevention would this be? - Answers Secondary
A triage nurse is working in the emergency department of a busy hospital. Four patients have
recently been admitted. Patient A has an arrhythmia diagnosed as atrial fibrillation; Patient B is
in chronic congestive heart failure; Patient C is assessed and found to have a probable
pulmonary embolism; Patient D complains of chest pain relieved by nitroglycerin and rest.
Which patient would
be the nurse's highest priority? - Answers Patient C
The nurse is conducting a health history with a female client who reports upper back and jaw
pain. In order to assess the client's risk for a cardiac event, which question should the nurse ask
first? - Answers "Do you have any pain or discomfort in your chest?"
While auscultating the heart at the third intercostal space, left sternal border, the nurse notes a
high-pitched, scratchy sound that increases with exhalation with the client leaning forward. The