CMSRN FREE CMSRN Cardiac Vascular Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

A patient presents with acute onset of a cold, pale, pulseless left lower extremity. Which condition should the nurse suspect?

Accepted Answer

Acute arterial embolism

Answer

Chronic venous insufficiency

Answer

Superficial thrombophlebitis

Answer

Varicose vein rupture

Question 2

A patient with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation asks why anticoagulation therapy is necessary. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

The irregular rhythm causes blood to pool in the atria, increasing stroke risk from clot formation

Answer

Anticoagulants will convert your heart rhythm back to normal

Answer

Anticoagulation is only needed if you have a history of prior blood clots

Answer

The medication will strengthen your heart contractions to prevent further arrhythmias

Question 3

A nurse notes ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF on a 12-lead ECG. Which coronary artery is most likely occluded?

Accepted Answer

Right coronary artery

Answer

Left anterior descending artery

Answer

Left circumflex artery

Answer

Left main coronary artery

Question 4

A patient with chronic heart failure is prescribed carvedilol. Which assessment is most important before administering the first dose?

Accepted Answer

Baseline heart rate and blood pressure

Answer

Serum potassium level

Answer

Blood glucose level

Answer

Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation

Question 5

A patient returns from cardiac catheterization with a radial artery access site. Which post-procedure assessment takes highest priority?

Accepted Answer

Evaluating neurovascular status of the affected hand including capillary refill and sensation

Answer

Monitoring urine output every 4 hours

Answer

Assessing the Allen test result documented pre-procedure

Answer

Checking bilateral pedal pulses every 15 minutes

Question 6

A nurse is caring for a patient with a ventricular assist device (VAD). The patient's family asks why there is no palpable pulse. What is the best explanation?

Accepted Answer

Continuous-flow VADs provide non-pulsatile blood flow, so a traditional pulse may not be felt

Answer

The device has malfunctioned and the physician should be notified immediately

Answer

The patient is in cardiac arrest and needs immediate resuscitation

Answer

The lack of pulse indicates the device is not providing adequate cardiac output