An adult who is admitted for a cardiac catheterization asks the nurse

Cardiac System NCLEX Questions

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Question 1 of 5.

An adult who is admitted for a cardiac catheterization asks the nurse if she will be asleep during the cardiac catheterization. What is the best initial response for the nurse to make?

A. You will be given a general anesthesia.'

B. You will be sedated but not asleep.'

C. The doctor will give you an anesthetic if you are having too much pain.'

D. Why do you want to be asleep?'

Explanation: During cardiac catheterization, clients receive sedation but remain awake, as their cooperation may be needed. General anesthesia is not used, and pain is managed with sedation, not additional anesthetics. Asking 'why' may make the client defensive and does not provide the requested information.

Question 2 of 5.

The nurse obtains adult blood pressure readings on four separate clients. Which client should have a follow-up blood pressure check within 2 months?

A. The client whose blood pressure is 138/88 mm Hg

B. The client whose blood pressure is 132/98 mm Hg

C. The client whose blood pressure is 132/98 mm Hg

D. The client whose blood pressure is 118/78 mm Hg

Explanation: A blood pressure of 132/98 mm Hg indicates stage 1 hypertension (systolic 130-139 or diastolic 90-99 mm Hg), requiring follow-up within 2 months to monitor and manage. The other readings are either normal (118/78) or prehypertension (138/88), which may not require such urgent follow-up.

Question 3 of 5.

Which response by the nurse is most accurate?

A. Sustained hypertension decreases thenvim life span of many blood cells.

B. Sustained hypertension leads to the formation of venous blood clots.

C. Sustained hypertension compromises blood flow to many vital organs.

D. Sustained hypertension predisposes to narrowing of the cardiac valves.

Explanation: Sustained hypertension increases vascular resistance, which can compromise blood flow to vital organs like the heart, brain, and kidneys, leading to organ damage.

Question 4 of 5.

When the nurse at the physician's office reviews the client's medical record, which finding is the best indication that the client's heart has been affected by sustained high blood pressure?

A. The client has a strong S2 heart sound.

B. The client's heart rate is 100 beats/minute when active.

C. The client's heart is a moderate disorder

D. The client has an irregular heart rhythm.

Explanation: A moderate heart disorder, such as left ventricular hypertrophy, is a common consequence of sustained hypertension due to increased workload on the heart. The other options are less specific to hypertensive heart damage.

Question 5 of 5.

When the client asks the nurse how cholesterol acts as a cardiac risk factor, what is the best explanation?

A. Excess fat in the blood expands the circulating blood volume.

B. Excess fat in the blood thickens the lining of the arteries.

C. Excess fat in the blood causes slower blood clotting.

D. Excess fat in the blood stimulates the heart to beat faster.

Explanation: High cholesterol contributes to atherosclerosis, where excess fat (lipids) deposits thicken and harden the arterial walls, narrowing the lumen and increasing cardiac risk.