Cardiac Vascular Nursing Exam Patient Education & Health Promotion 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A cardiac vascular nurse is teaching a patient newly diagnosed with hypertension about dietary modifications. Which recommendation is MOST appropriate?
- Limit sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day (Correct answer)
- Increase potassium intake by eating red meat daily
- Avoid all carbohydrates to reduce blood pressure
- Restrict fluid intake to 500 mL per day
Correct answer: Limit sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day
The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg/day (ideally 1,500 mg/day) to help lower blood pressure.
Question 2: When educating a patient about warfarin therapy, which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
- I will take my dose at the same time each day
- I can eat unlimited amounts of spinach and kale (Correct answer)
- I will report any unusual bruising or bleeding
- I will keep all my scheduled INR appointments
Correct answer: I can eat unlimited amounts of spinach and kale
Vitamin K-rich foods like spinach and kale affect warfarin's anticoagulant effect; patients must maintain consistent, not unlimited, intake of these foods.
Question 3: A patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) asks how to prevent progression. Which lifestyle modification should the nurse PRIORITIZE?
- Starting a low-impact swimming program
- Smoking cessation (Correct answer)
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Maintaining a food diary
Correct answer: Smoking cessation
Smoking is the single most important modifiable risk factor for PAD, causing vasoconstriction and accelerating atherosclerosis; cessation is the highest priority intervention.
Question 4: The nurse is teaching a post-myocardial infarction patient about resuming sexual activity. Which guideline is MOST accurate?
- Sexual activity should be avoided for at least 6 months
- Most patients can resume sexual activity when they can climb two flights of stairs without symptoms (Correct answer)
- Sexual activity is safe immediately after hospital discharge
- Patients must complete a full cardiac rehabilitation program before resuming sexual activity
Correct answer: Most patients can resume sexual activity when they can climb two flights of stairs without symptoms
The ability to climb two flights of stairs (equivalent to approximately 3-5 METs) without symptoms is a commonly used clinical guideline indicating readiness to resume sexual activity after MI.
Question 5: A patient with heart failure is being educated about daily self-monitoring. Which instruction is MOST important for early detection of fluid retention?
- Measure blood pressure twice daily
- Weigh yourself every morning before eating (Correct answer)
- Check ankle circumference weekly
- Record urine output for 24 hours every week
Correct answer: Weigh yourself every morning before eating
Daily morning weight measurement before eating and after urinating is the most sensitive early indicator of fluid retention in heart failure patients.
Question 6: Which statement BEST describes the teach-back method when educating cardiac patients?
- The nurse demonstrates a skill and the patient watches
- The patient is asked to explain information back in their own words (Correct answer)
- Written materials are provided and the patient signs a form
- The nurse repeats the same information multiple times
Correct answer: The patient is asked to explain information back in their own words
The teach-back method involves asking patients to explain health information in their own words, confirming understanding and identifying gaps that need re-education.
Question 7: A patient with a newly implanted pacemaker needs discharge education. Which activity restriction should the nurse include?
- Avoid all air travel for 6 months
- Refrain from lifting the arm on the implant side above the shoulder for 4–6 weeks (Correct answer)
- Do not use a microwave oven within 10 feet
- Avoid driving a car for 12 months
Correct answer: Refrain from lifting the arm on the implant side above the shoulder for 4–6 weeks
Patients with new pacemakers should avoid lifting the ipsilateral arm above shoulder level for 4–6 weeks to prevent lead dislodgement while the leads are stabilizing.
Cardiac Vascular Nursing Exam Patient Education & Health Promotion 1
A cardiac vascular nurse is teaching a patient newly diagnosed with hypertension about dietary modifications.
Which recommendation is MOST appropriate?