NCLEX Questions on Peripheral Vascular Disease
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Question 1 of 5.
The client with a mechanical heart valve reports a fever. What should the nurse do first?
A. Administer acetaminophen.
B. Notify the healthcare provider.
C. Check the client's temperature again in 4 hours.
D. Encourage fluid intake.
Explanation: Fever may indicate endocarditis in a client with a mechanical valve, requiring immediate medical evaluation.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 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.