CMSRN FREE CMSRN Cardiac Vascular Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

A patient with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) reports intermittent claudication in the left calf. Which assessment finding would the nurse expect?

Accepted Answer

Diminished or absent pedal pulses in the affected extremity

Answer

Warm, erythematous skin with pitting edema

Answer

Distended superficial veins in the lower leg

Answer

Positive Homans sign with dorsiflexion

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a patient 6 hours after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via the right femoral artery. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Expanding ecchymosis and firmness at the access site

Answer

Heart rate 78 bpm with normal sinus rhythm

Answer

Patient reports mild soreness at the groin site

Answer

Blood pressure 132/84 mmHg in the left arm

Question 3

Which laboratory value is most critical for the nurse to monitor in a patient receiving a continuous heparin infusion for deep vein thrombosis?

Accepted Answer

Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)

Answer

Prothrombin time (PT)

Answer

International normalized ratio (INR)

Answer

Platelet count and fibrinogen level

Question 4

A patient with a new diagnosis of heart failure has a B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level of 1,200 pg/mL. How should the nurse interpret this result?

Accepted Answer

The elevation indicates significant ventricular volume overload and myocardial wall stress

Answer

The value is within normal limits and requires no action

Answer

The result suggests chronic kidney disease rather than heart failure

Answer

The level is only mildly elevated and unlikely to be clinically significant

Question 5

A patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) suddenly develops severe, tearing back pain and hypotension. What is the nurse's priority action?

Accepted Answer

Prepare the patient for emergent surgical intervention

Answer

Administer an oral analgesic and reposition the patient for comfort

Answer

Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram to rule out myocardial infarction

Answer

Encourage ambulation to assess for orthostatic changes

Question 6

A nurse is teaching a patient about warfarin therapy after mechanical valve replacement. Which patient statement indicates correct understanding?

Accepted Answer

I need to have my INR checked regularly and maintain consistent vitamin K intake

Answer

I should double my dose if I miss one day to catch up

Answer

I can stop taking this medication once my symptoms improve

Answer

I should take aspirin along with warfarin whenever I have a headache