NCLEX Questions on Peripheral Vascular Disease
Question 1 of 5.
The health-care provider prescribes an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor for the client diagnosed with essential hypertension. Which statement is the most appropriate rationale for administering this medication?
A. ACE inhibitors prevent beta receptor stimulation in the heart.
B. This medication blocks the alpha receptors in the vascular smooth muscle.
C. ACE inhibitors prevent vasoconstriction and sodium and water retention.
D. ACE inhibitors decrease blood pressure by relaxing vascular smooth muscle.
Explanation: ACE inhibitors block angiotensin II, preventing vasoconstriction and sodium/water retention (C), thus lowering BP. Beta (A) and alpha (B) receptors are unrelated, and smooth muscle relaxation (D) is a secondary effect.
Question 2 of 5.
The nurse just received the a.m. shift report. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. The client diagnosed with coronary artery disease who has a BP of 170/100.
B. The client diagnosed with DVT who is complaining of chest pain.
C. The client diagnosed with pneumonia who has a pulse oximeter reading of 98%.
D. The client diagnosed with ulcerative colitis who has non-bloody diarrhea.
Explanation: Chest pain in DVT (B) suggests pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening emergency. Hypertension (A) is urgent but less immediate, SpO2 98% (C) is normal, and diarrhea (D) is non-emergent.
Question 3 of 5.
The client diagnosed with essential hypertension is taking a loop diuretic daily. Which assessment data would require immediate intervention by the nurse?
A. The telemetry reads normal sinus rhythm.
B. The client has a weight gain of 2 kg within 1 to 2 days.
C. The client's blood pressure is 148/92.
D. The client's serum potassium level is 4.5 mEq.
Explanation: Weight gain of 2 kg in 1-2 days (B) indicates fluid retention, a serious issue in hypertension requiring intervention. Normal sinus rhythm (A), BP 148/92 (C), and K+ 4.5 (D) are not urgent.
Question 4 of 5.
The nurse is teaching a class on arterial essential hypertension. Which modifiable risk factors would the nurse include when preparing this presentation?
A. Include information on retinopathy and nephropathy.
B. Discuss sedentary lifestyle and smoking cessation.
C. Include discussions on family history and gender.
D. Provide information on a low-fiber and high-salt diet.
Explanation: Modifiable risk factors for hypertension include sedentary lifestyle and smoking (B), which can be changed. Retinopathy/nephropathy (A) are complications, family history/gender (C) are non-modifiable, and low-fiber/high-salt (D) promotes hypertension.
Question 5 of 5.
The nurse is teaching the client diagnosed with arterial occlusive disease. Which interventions should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.
A. Wash legs and feet daily in warm water.
B. Apply moisturizing cream to feet.
C. Buy shoes in the morning hours only.
D. Do not wear any type of knee stocking.
E. Wear clean white cotton socks.
Explanation: Washing feet (A), moisturizing (B), avoiding knee stockings (D), and cotton socks (E) prevent skin breakdown and promote circulation in PAD. Morning shoe buying (C) is incorrect; shoes should be bought in the afternoon when feet are larger.