Cardiac Disorders NCLEX Questions
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Question 1 of 5.
A male client with angina pectoris has been having an increased number of episodes of pain recently. He is admitted for observation. During the admission interview, he tells the nurse that he has been having chest pain during the last week. Which statement by the client would be of greatest concern to the nurse?
A. I had chest pain while I was walking in the snow on Thursday.'
B. We went out for a big dinner to celebrate my wife's birthday, but I couldn't enjoy it because I got the pain before we got home from the restaurant.'
C. I had chest pain yesterday while I was sitting in the living room watching television.'
D. I felt pain all the way down my left arm after I was playing with my grandson on Monday.'
Explanation: Chest pain at rest, such as while watching television, is concerning as it may indicate unstable angina or impending myocardial infarction, requiring urgent evaluation. Pain with activity, eating, or radiating to the arm is typical of angina but less immediately alarming.
Question 2 of 5.
The client is admitted to the telemetry unit diagnosed with acute exacerbation of congestive heart failure (CHF). Which signs/symptoms would the nurse expect to find when assessing this client?
A. Apical pulse rate of 110 and 4+ pitting edema of feet.
B. Thick white sputum and crackles that clear with cough.
C. The client sleeping with no pillow and eupnea.
D. Radial pulse rate of 90 and CRT less than three (3) seconds.
Explanation: CHF exacerbation causes fluid overload, leading to tachycardia (apical pulse 110) and severe edema (4+ pitting, A). Thick sputum/crackles (B) suggest pneumonia, sleeping flat with eupnea (C) is unlikely, and normal CRT (D) doesn't reflect CHF severity.
Question 3 of 5.
The nurse enters the room of the client diagnosed with congestive heart failure. The client is lying in bed gasping for breath, is cool and clammy, and has buccal cyanosis. Which intervention would the nurse implement first?
A. Sponge the client's forehead.
B. Obtain a pulse oximetry reading.
C. Take the client's vital signs.
D. Assist the client to a sitting position.
Explanation: Gasping, clamminess, and cyanosis indicate acute pulmonary edema. Sitting upright (D) improves breathing by reducing preload. Sponging (A), pulse oximetry (B), and vital signs (C) are secondary to positioning.
Question 4 of 5.
The health-care provider has ordered an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor for the client diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Which discharge instructions should the nurse include?
A. Instruct the client to take a cough suppressant if a cough develops.
B. Teach the client how to prevent orthostatic hypotension.
C. Encourage the client to eat bananas to increase potassium level.
D. Explain the importance of taking the medication with food.
Explanation: ACE inhibitors cause hypotension, so teaching prevention of orthostatic hypotension (B) is critical. Cough suppressants (A) are inappropriate for ACE inhibitor cough, bananas (C) are unnecessary unless hypokalemia exists, and food (D) is not required.
Question 5 of 5.
The charge nurse is making shift assignments for the medical floor. Which client should be assigned to the most experienced registered nurse?
A. The client diagnosed with congestive heart failure who is being discharged in the morning.
B. The client who is having frequent incontinent liquid bowel movements and vomiting.
C. The client with an apical pulse rate of 116, a respiratory rate of 26, and a blood pressure of 94/62.
D. The client who is complaining of chest pain on inspiration and a nonproductive cough.
Explanation: Tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypotension (C) suggest instability, requiring experienced nursing care. Discharging CHF (A), incontinence/vomiting (B), and pleuritic pain (D) are less acute.