Medical-Surgical Nursing: Cardiovascular Disorders Flashcards
7 cards from real LPN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Medical-Surgical Nursing: Cardiovascular Disorders flashcards as text
A patient with a pacemaker reports hiccups and muscle twitching near the device. What does the LPN suspect?
Answer: Pacemaker lead dislodgement
Hiccups and muscle twitching near a pacemaker suggest lead dislodgement, causing the pacemaker to stimulate surrounding tissues.
Which position is most beneficial for a patient experiencing acute pulmonary edema?
Answer: High Fowler's (sitting upright) with legs dependent
High Fowler's position with legs dependent reduces venous return to the heart and promotes lung expansion, easing breathing in pulmonary edema.
A patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) reports sudden severe back pain and a pulsating abdominal mass. The LPN's immediate action is to:
Answer: Notify the RN and prepare for emergency surgery
Sudden severe back pain with a pulsating abdominal mass indicates possible AAA rupture, which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention.
Which ECG change is most consistent with hyperkalemia in a cardiac patient?
Answer: Peaked T waves
Hyperkalemia classically produces tall, peaked T waves on the ECG, which can progress to life-threatening arrhythmias.
A patient is prescribed nitroglycerin for angina. The LPN should instruct the patient to take the medication:
Answer: Sublingually and sit or lie down immediately
Sublingual nitroglycerin should be taken while sitting or lying down because it causes vasodilation and can produce hypotension and dizziness.
A patient with chronic arterial insufficiency in the lower extremities should be taught to avoid which practice?
Answer: Keeping legs in a dependent position when sitting
Keeping legs dependent can worsen venous return but does not help arterial flow; patients should avoid crossing legs, which impedes arterial circulation.
A patient is being discharged after a myocardial infarction. Which statement by the patient indicates correct understanding of activity restrictions?
Answer: 'I will gradually increase my activity as tolerated per my care plan.'
Cardiac rehabilitation involves gradually increasing activity tolerance, and patients should follow a progressive activity plan as directed by their healthcare team.