Nur 107 Chapters 21-27 Cardiovascular/ Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook
Medical-Surgical Nursing, 15th ed.,
1. A client with a history of right-sided heart failure lives in a long-term care facility. In the daily
assessment, the nurse is required to record the level of this client's peripheral edema. Which would be the
main area for examination?: Correct response: feet and ankles Explanation:
Edema occurs when blood is not pumped efficiently or plasma protein levels are inadequate to maintain osmotic pressure. When
blood has nowhere else to go, the extra fluid enters the tissues. Particular areas for examination are the dependent parts of the
body, such as the feet and ankles. The area over, not below, the sacrum is another area prone to edema.
Reference:
Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H., Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing, 15th ed., Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer,
2022, Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function, Assessment of the Skin and Extremities, p. 664.
Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function - Page 664
2. It is important for a nurse to understand cardiac hemodynamics. For blood to flow from the right
ventricle to the pulmonary artery, the following must occur:: Correct response:
Right ventricular pressure must be higher than pulmonary arterial pressure.
Explanation:
For the right ventricle to pump blood in need of oxygenation into the lungs via the pulmonary artery, right ventricular pressure
must be higher than pulmonary arterial pressure. Reference:
Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H., Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing, 15th ed., Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer,
2022, Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function, Cardiac Hemodynamics, p. 655.
Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function - Page 655
3. For both outpatients and inpatients scheduled for diagnostic procedures of the cardiovascular system,
the nurse performs a thorough initial assessment to establish accurate baseline data. Which data is necessary
to collect if the
client is experiencing chest pain?: description of the pain Explanation:
If the client is experiencing chest pain, a history of its location, frequency, and duration is necessary. A description of the pain is
also needed, including if it radiates to a particular area, what precipitates its onset, and what brings relief. The nurse weighs the
client and measures vital signs. The nurse may measure blood pressure in both arms and compare findings. The nurse assesses
apical and radial pulses, noting rate, quality, and rhythm. The nurse also checks peripheral pulses in the lower extremities.
Reference:
Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H., Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical
Nursing, 15th ed., Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer, 2022, Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function, Assessment of the
Cardiovascular System, Health History, p. 658.
Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function - Page 658
4. The clinic nurse caring for a client with a cardiovascular disorder is performing an assessment of the client's
pulse. Which of the following steps is involved in determining the pulse deficit?: Count the heart rate at the apex.
Explanation:
The nurse determines the pulse deficit by counting the heart rate through auscultation at the apex while a second nurse
simultaneously palpates and counts the radial pulse for a full minute. The difference, if any, is the pulse deficit. The pulse quality
refers to its palpated volume. Pulse rhythm is the pattern of the pulsations and the pauses between them.
, Nur 107 Chapters 21-27 Cardiovascular/ Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook
Medical-Surgical Nursing, 15th ed.,
Reference:
Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H., Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing, 15th ed., Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer,
2022, Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function, Pulse Rhythm, p. 666.
Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function - Page 666
5. Within the heart, several structures and several layers all play a part in protecting the heart muscle and
maintaining cardiac function. The inner layer of the heart is composed of a thin, smooth layer of cells, the folds
of which form heart valves. What is the name of this layer of cardiac tissue?: The inner layer, the endocardium, is
composed of a thin, smooth layer of endothelial cells. Folds of endocardium form the heart valves. The middle layer, the
myocardium, consists of muscle tissue and is the force behind the heart's pumping action. The pericardium is a saclike structure
that surrounds and supports the heart. The outer layer, the epicardium, is composed of fibrous and loose connective tissue.
Reference:
Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H., Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing, 15th ed., Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer,
2022, Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function, Anatomy of the Heart, p. 651.
Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function - Page 651
6. The nurse working in the emergency department places a client in anaphylactic shock on a cardiac
monitor and sees the cardiac rhythm shown. Which
dysrythmia should the nurse document?: ventricular tachycardia Explanation:
The dysrhythmia shown is ventricular tachycardia because it has more than 3 premature ventricular contractions. The ventricular
rate is 100 to 200 bpm; the atrial rate depends on the underlying rhythm (e.g., sinus rhythm). The QRS duration is 0.12 seconds or
more and has an abnormal shape. .
Ventricular asystole is characterized by absent QRS complexes; this rhythm is referred to as flatline.
Normal sinus rhythm is regular with with a ventricular and atrial rate of 60 to 100 bpm. The P-wave has a consistent shape and is
always in front of the QRS. The PR interval is a consistent interval between 0.12 and 0.20 seconds, and the P:QRS ratio is 1:1.
A junctional rhythm not caused by a complete heart block has a ventricular rate of 40 to 60 bpm and, if P waves are discernible, an
atrial rate of 40 to 60 bpm. The ventricular and atrial rhythm are regular. If the P-wave is in front of the QRS, the PR interval is less
than 0.12 seconds. The P:QRS ratio is 1:1 or 0:1.
Atrial fibrillation is indicated by an atrial rate of 300 to 600 bpm; the ventricular rate is usually 120 to 200 bpm if untreated. Both
the ventricular and atrial rhythm are highly irregular. P-waves will not be discernible; irregular undulating waves that vary in
amplitude and shape are referred to as fibrillatory or f waves. The PR interval cannot be measured, and the P:QRS ratio is Many:1.
Reference:
Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H., Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical
Nursing, 15th ed., Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer, 2022, Chapter 22: Management of Patients with Arrhythmias and Conduction
Problems, Types of Arrhythmias, p. 707. 7. The nursing student asks the nurse how to tell the difference between
ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation on an electrocardiogram strip. What is the best response?:
Explanation:
, Nur 107 Chapters 21-27 Cardiovascular/ Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook
Medical-Surgical Nursing, 15th ed.,
Ventricular fibrillation is irregular with undulating waves and no QRS complex, while ventricular tachycardia is usually regular and
fast with wide QRS complexes. The rhythms look different on the electrocardiogram strip. The QRS is wide and bizarre or
undefined in ventricular fibrillation. The P-R interval is not present in the ventricular dysrhythmias.
Reference:
Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H., Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing, 15th ed., Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer,
2022, Chapter 22: Management of Patients with Arrhythmias and Conduction Problems, Types of Arrhythmias, pp.
706-707.
Chapter 22: Management of Patients with Arrhythmias and Conduction Problems - Page 706-707
8. The nurse is assessing a patient with a probable diagnosis of first-degree AV block. The nurse is aware
that this dysrhythmia is evident on an ECG strip by what indication?: Delayed conduction, producing a prolonged PR
interval Explanation:
First-degree AV block may occur without an underlying pathophysiology, or it can result from medications or conditions that
increase parasympathetic tone. It occurs when atrial conduction is delayed through the AV node, resulting in a prolonged PR
interval.
Reference:
Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H., Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical
Nursing, 15th ed., Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer, 2022, Chapter 22: Management of Patients with Arrhythmias and Conduction
Problems, Types of Arrhythmias, p. 708.
Chapter 22: Management of Patients with Arrhythmias and Conduction Problems - Page 708
9. A client experiences a faster-than-normal heart rate when drinking more than two cups of coffee in the
morning. What does the nurse identify on the electrocardiogram as an indicator of sinus tachycardia?: heart
rate of 118 bpm Explanation:
The sinus node creates an impulse at a faster-than-normal rate. The PR interval of 0.1 seconds, QRS duration of 0.16 seconds and
Q wave of 0.04 seconds are consistent with a normal sinus rhythm. Sinus tachycardia occurs when the heart rate is over 100 bpm.
Reference:
Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H., Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical
Nursing, 15th ed., Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer, 2022, Chapter 22: Management of Patients with Arrhythmias and Conduction
Problems, Types of Arrhythmias, p. 696.
Chapter 22: Management of Patients with Arrhythmias and Conduction Problems - Page 696
10. A client asks the nurse about complications associated with use of a cardiac pacemaker. What does the
nurse include in their response? Select all that apply.: Twiddler syndrome
Hiccupping Localized infection
Explanation:
Medical-Surgical Nursing, 15th ed.,
1. A client with a history of right-sided heart failure lives in a long-term care facility. In the daily
assessment, the nurse is required to record the level of this client's peripheral edema. Which would be the
main area for examination?: Correct response: feet and ankles Explanation:
Edema occurs when blood is not pumped efficiently or plasma protein levels are inadequate to maintain osmotic pressure. When
blood has nowhere else to go, the extra fluid enters the tissues. Particular areas for examination are the dependent parts of the
body, such as the feet and ankles. The area over, not below, the sacrum is another area prone to edema.
Reference:
Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H., Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing, 15th ed., Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer,
2022, Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function, Assessment of the Skin and Extremities, p. 664.
Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function - Page 664
2. It is important for a nurse to understand cardiac hemodynamics. For blood to flow from the right
ventricle to the pulmonary artery, the following must occur:: Correct response:
Right ventricular pressure must be higher than pulmonary arterial pressure.
Explanation:
For the right ventricle to pump blood in need of oxygenation into the lungs via the pulmonary artery, right ventricular pressure
must be higher than pulmonary arterial pressure. Reference:
Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H., Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing, 15th ed., Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer,
2022, Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function, Cardiac Hemodynamics, p. 655.
Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function - Page 655
3. For both outpatients and inpatients scheduled for diagnostic procedures of the cardiovascular system,
the nurse performs a thorough initial assessment to establish accurate baseline data. Which data is necessary
to collect if the
client is experiencing chest pain?: description of the pain Explanation:
If the client is experiencing chest pain, a history of its location, frequency, and duration is necessary. A description of the pain is
also needed, including if it radiates to a particular area, what precipitates its onset, and what brings relief. The nurse weighs the
client and measures vital signs. The nurse may measure blood pressure in both arms and compare findings. The nurse assesses
apical and radial pulses, noting rate, quality, and rhythm. The nurse also checks peripheral pulses in the lower extremities.
Reference:
Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H., Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical
Nursing, 15th ed., Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer, 2022, Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function, Assessment of the
Cardiovascular System, Health History, p. 658.
Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function - Page 658
4. The clinic nurse caring for a client with a cardiovascular disorder is performing an assessment of the client's
pulse. Which of the following steps is involved in determining the pulse deficit?: Count the heart rate at the apex.
Explanation:
The nurse determines the pulse deficit by counting the heart rate through auscultation at the apex while a second nurse
simultaneously palpates and counts the radial pulse for a full minute. The difference, if any, is the pulse deficit. The pulse quality
refers to its palpated volume. Pulse rhythm is the pattern of the pulsations and the pauses between them.
, Nur 107 Chapters 21-27 Cardiovascular/ Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook
Medical-Surgical Nursing, 15th ed.,
Reference:
Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H., Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing, 15th ed., Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer,
2022, Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function, Pulse Rhythm, p. 666.
Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function - Page 666
5. Within the heart, several structures and several layers all play a part in protecting the heart muscle and
maintaining cardiac function. The inner layer of the heart is composed of a thin, smooth layer of cells, the folds
of which form heart valves. What is the name of this layer of cardiac tissue?: The inner layer, the endocardium, is
composed of a thin, smooth layer of endothelial cells. Folds of endocardium form the heart valves. The middle layer, the
myocardium, consists of muscle tissue and is the force behind the heart's pumping action. The pericardium is a saclike structure
that surrounds and supports the heart. The outer layer, the epicardium, is composed of fibrous and loose connective tissue.
Reference:
Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H., Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing, 15th ed., Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer,
2022, Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function, Anatomy of the Heart, p. 651.
Chapter 21: Assessment of Cardiovascular Function - Page 651
6. The nurse working in the emergency department places a client in anaphylactic shock on a cardiac
monitor and sees the cardiac rhythm shown. Which
dysrythmia should the nurse document?: ventricular tachycardia Explanation:
The dysrhythmia shown is ventricular tachycardia because it has more than 3 premature ventricular contractions. The ventricular
rate is 100 to 200 bpm; the atrial rate depends on the underlying rhythm (e.g., sinus rhythm). The QRS duration is 0.12 seconds or
more and has an abnormal shape. .
Ventricular asystole is characterized by absent QRS complexes; this rhythm is referred to as flatline.
Normal sinus rhythm is regular with with a ventricular and atrial rate of 60 to 100 bpm. The P-wave has a consistent shape and is
always in front of the QRS. The PR interval is a consistent interval between 0.12 and 0.20 seconds, and the P:QRS ratio is 1:1.
A junctional rhythm not caused by a complete heart block has a ventricular rate of 40 to 60 bpm and, if P waves are discernible, an
atrial rate of 40 to 60 bpm. The ventricular and atrial rhythm are regular. If the P-wave is in front of the QRS, the PR interval is less
than 0.12 seconds. The P:QRS ratio is 1:1 or 0:1.
Atrial fibrillation is indicated by an atrial rate of 300 to 600 bpm; the ventricular rate is usually 120 to 200 bpm if untreated. Both
the ventricular and atrial rhythm are highly irregular. P-waves will not be discernible; irregular undulating waves that vary in
amplitude and shape are referred to as fibrillatory or f waves. The PR interval cannot be measured, and the P:QRS ratio is Many:1.
Reference:
Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H., Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical
Nursing, 15th ed., Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer, 2022, Chapter 22: Management of Patients with Arrhythmias and Conduction
Problems, Types of Arrhythmias, p. 707. 7. The nursing student asks the nurse how to tell the difference between
ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation on an electrocardiogram strip. What is the best response?:
Explanation:
, Nur 107 Chapters 21-27 Cardiovascular/ Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook
Medical-Surgical Nursing, 15th ed.,
Ventricular fibrillation is irregular with undulating waves and no QRS complex, while ventricular tachycardia is usually regular and
fast with wide QRS complexes. The rhythms look different on the electrocardiogram strip. The QRS is wide and bizarre or
undefined in ventricular fibrillation. The P-R interval is not present in the ventricular dysrhythmias.
Reference:
Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H., Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing, 15th ed., Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer,
2022, Chapter 22: Management of Patients with Arrhythmias and Conduction Problems, Types of Arrhythmias, pp.
706-707.
Chapter 22: Management of Patients with Arrhythmias and Conduction Problems - Page 706-707
8. The nurse is assessing a patient with a probable diagnosis of first-degree AV block. The nurse is aware
that this dysrhythmia is evident on an ECG strip by what indication?: Delayed conduction, producing a prolonged PR
interval Explanation:
First-degree AV block may occur without an underlying pathophysiology, or it can result from medications or conditions that
increase parasympathetic tone. It occurs when atrial conduction is delayed through the AV node, resulting in a prolonged PR
interval.
Reference:
Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H., Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical
Nursing, 15th ed., Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer, 2022, Chapter 22: Management of Patients with Arrhythmias and Conduction
Problems, Types of Arrhythmias, p. 708.
Chapter 22: Management of Patients with Arrhythmias and Conduction Problems - Page 708
9. A client experiences a faster-than-normal heart rate when drinking more than two cups of coffee in the
morning. What does the nurse identify on the electrocardiogram as an indicator of sinus tachycardia?: heart
rate of 118 bpm Explanation:
The sinus node creates an impulse at a faster-than-normal rate. The PR interval of 0.1 seconds, QRS duration of 0.16 seconds and
Q wave of 0.04 seconds are consistent with a normal sinus rhythm. Sinus tachycardia occurs when the heart rate is over 100 bpm.
Reference:
Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H., Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical
Nursing, 15th ed., Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer, 2022, Chapter 22: Management of Patients with Arrhythmias and Conduction
Problems, Types of Arrhythmias, p. 696.
Chapter 22: Management of Patients with Arrhythmias and Conduction Problems - Page 696
10. A client asks the nurse about complications associated with use of a cardiac pacemaker. What does the
nurse include in their response? Select all that apply.: Twiddler syndrome
Hiccupping Localized infection
Explanation:
