CMSRN CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Cardiovascular and Hematological Care Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

A patient with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is started on a heparin drip. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness?

Accepted Answer

Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)

Answer

Prothrombin time (PT)

Answer

Platelet count

Answer

Fibrinogen level

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure who develops frothy, pink-tinged sputum and severe dyspnea. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Position the patient upright and administer oxygen

Answer

Administer a scheduled beta-blocker

Answer

Encourage deep breathing exercises

Answer

Restrict oral fluids immediately

Question 3

Which assessment finding in a patient receiving a blood transfusion requires the nurse to immediately stop the transfusion?

Accepted Answer

Fever with chills and flank pain

Answer

A slight increase in temperature of 0.5°F

Answer

Mild urticaria on one arm

Answer

The patient reports feeling anxious

Question 4

A patient with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) reports intermittent claudication. Which patient statement indicates a need for further teaching?

Accepted Answer

I soak my feet in hot water every evening to improve circulation

Answer

I inspect my feet daily for any cuts or sores

Answer

I wear well-fitting shoes when walking

Answer

I stop and rest when my legs start to hurt during exercise

Question 5

A nurse is reviewing the lab results of a patient with suspected disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which combination of findings is most consistent with this diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Elevated D-dimer, decreased fibrinogen, prolonged PT and aPTT

Answer

Elevated fibrinogen, decreased D-dimer, normal PT

Answer

Decreased D-dimer, elevated platelet count, shortened aPTT

Answer

Normal PT, elevated fibrinogen, increased platelet count

Question 6

A patient with a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation asks why anticoagulation therapy is necessary. What is the nurse's best response?

Accepted Answer

Atrial fibrillation causes blood to pool in the atria, increasing the risk of clot formation and stroke

Answer

Anticoagulants will help convert your heart rhythm back to normal

Answer

The medication prevents your heart rate from becoming too fast

Answer

Anticoagulants strengthen the heart muscle to pump more effectively