Cardiac Vascular Nursing Exam Risk Assessment & Management 2

Question 1

A patient with a history of hypertension, diabetes, and smoking presents for a preoperative cardiovascular risk assessment. Which scoring tool is most appropriate for estimating perioperative cardiac risk?

Accepted Answer

Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI)

Answer

The Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) is the validated tool for estimating perioperative major adverse cardiac events in noncardiac surgery.

Question 2

Which ankle-brachle index (ABI) value indicates severe peripheral arterial disease requiring urgent vascular evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Less than 0.40

Answer

An ABI less than 0.40 indicates severe PAD with critical limb ischemia, requiring urgent vascular surgery consultation.

Question 3

A 58-year-old male with atrial fibrillation has a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of 4. What is the recommended management?

Accepted Answer

Oral anticoagulation therapy

Answer

A CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of 4 confers high stroke risk, and oral anticoagulation is strongly recommended per ACC/AHA guidelines.

Question 4

When assessing a patient's risk for contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) before a cardiac catheterization, which factor carries the greatest independent risk?

Accepted Answer

Pre-existing chronic kidney disease

Answer

Pre-existing chronic kidney disease (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m²) is the single greatest risk factor for contrast-induced nephropathy.

Question 5

A nurse is caring for a post-CABG patient on postoperative day 2. Which finding is most indicative of early cardiac tamponade?

Accepted Answer

Elevated CVP with hypotension and muffled heart sounds

Answer

Beck's triad — elevated CVP (JVD), hypotension, and muffled heart sounds — is the classic presentation of cardiac tamponade.

Cardiac Vascular Nursing Exam Practice Test

Cardiac Vascular Nursing Exam Practice Test

Cardiac Vascular Nursing Exam Risk Assessment & Management 2