The nurse has collected a client's vital signs. The nurse notes that t

Cardiovascular System NCLEX RN Questions

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Question 1 of 5.

The nurse has collected a client's vital signs. The nurse notes that the client's apical pulse was 75 beats per minute, and the radial pulse was 69 beats per minute. The nurse should document this finding as

A. a widened pulse pressure.

B. a pulse deficit.

C. pulsus paradoxus.

D. an expected finding.

Explanation: A difference between apical and radial pulses indicates a pulse deficit, often due to weak or missed beats.

Question 2 of 5.

The nurse is caring for a client with the below tracing on the electrocardiogram. The nurse should expect the client to demonstrate which clinical manifestation in conjunction with this electrocardiogram tracing? See the exhibit.

A. Jugular venous distention (JVD)

B. Systolic murmur

C. Irregular pulse

D. Widened pulse pressure

Explanation: An irregular ECG tracing, such as in atrial fibrillation, typically correlates with an irregular pulse due to inconsistent ventricular contractions.

Question 3 of 5.

The nurse is caring for a client who was recently admitted to the cardiac floor for angina. This client states that their chest pain occurs at the same time every day at rest. The client does not believe there are any precipitating factors. Which of the following types of angina is this client most likely experiencing?

A. Variant angina

B. Stable angina

C. Unstable angina

D. Nonanginal pain

Explanation: Variant (Prinzmetal's) angina occurs at rest, often at predictable times, due to coronary artery spasm, not exertion, unlike stable or unstable angina.

Question 4 of 5.

The nurse assesses the following electrocardiogram (ECG) strips for assigned clients. The nurse should immediately follow up with the client with which ECG strip?

A. QSTN 8-A.png

B. QSTN 8-B.png

C. QSTN 8-C.png

D. QSTN 8-D.png

Explanation: Without specific ECG details, the nurse prioritizes the strip indicating life-threatening arrhythmias (e.g., ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation) requiring immediate intervention.

Question 5 of 5.

The nurse is caring for a client with cardiac tamponade. Which vital signs are expected?

A. HR: 109 bpm; RR: 26; BP: 88/71 mmHg

B. HR: 90 bpm; RR: 32; BP: 90/52 mmHg

C. HR: 115 bpm; RR: 22; BP: 140/78 mmHg

D. HR: 54 bpm; RR: 14; BP: 161/52 mmHg

Explanation: Cardiac tamponade causes tachycardia (HR >100), increased respiratory rate, and hypotension due to restricted cardiac output.