The nurse responds to the call light of a client who has a history of

Cardiac System NCLEX Questions

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Question 1 of 5.

The nurse responds to the call light of a client who has a history of angina pectoris. He tells the nurse that he has just taken a nitroglycerin tablet sublingually for anginal pain. What action should the nurse take next?

A. If the pain does not subside within five minutes, place a second tablet under his tongue

B. Position him with head lower than feet

C. Administer a narcotic as needed (PRN) for pain if he still has pain in 10 minutes

D. Call his physician and alert the code team for possible intervention

Explanation: If anginal pain persists five minutes after the first nitroglycerin tablet, a second tablet should be administered, with up to three doses at five-minute intervals. Positioning with head lower than feet, narcotics, or calling the physician are not the immediate next steps.

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.