CMSRN Cardiovascular and Hematological Care 4

Question 1

A patient reports tearing chest pain that radiates to the back and has unequal blood pressures in both arms. Which condition does the nurse suspect?

Accepted Answer

Aortic dissection

Answer

Aortic dissection classically presents with sudden tearing or ripping chest pain radiating to the back and a blood pressure differential between extremities.

Question 2

Which finding is a hallmark of cardiac tamponade?

Accepted Answer

Beck's triad: hypotension, muffled heart sounds, JVD

Answer

Beck's triad (hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and JVD) results from pericardial fluid compressing the heart and impeding ventricular filling.

Question 3

A post-operative patient develops a sudden onset of dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, and tachycardia 3 days after hip replacement surgery. Which condition is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Pulmonary embolism is a common post-operative complication, especially after orthopedic surgery, presenting with sudden dyspnea, pleuritic pain, and tachycardia.

Question 4

A patient with iron-deficiency anemia is started on oral ferrous sulfate. Which teaching point is most important?

Accepted Answer

Expect black, tarry stools as a side effect

Answer

Iron supplementation commonly causes dark or black stools, which is expected and not a sign of GI bleeding, and patients must be educated about this.

Question 5

A patient with neutropenia following chemotherapy develops a fever of 38.5°C (101.3°F). What is the nurse's priority action?

Accepted Answer

Obtain blood cultures and initiate prescribed antibiotics immediately

Answer

Febrile neutropenia is a medical emergency; cultures must be drawn and broad-spectrum antibiotics started within one hour to prevent septic shock.

CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test

CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test

CMSRN Cardiovascular and Hematological Care 4