Cardiovascular & Respiratory Care Flashcards

A patient with heart failure is experiencing dyspnea and orthopnea. What position should the LVN place the patient in?

Answer: High Fowler's or Semi-Fowler's

High Fowler's or Semi-Fowler's position uses gravity to reduce venous return and pulmonary congestion, relieving dyspnea.

Which assessment finding is most characteristic of left-sided heart failure?

Answer: Pulmonary crackles (rales)

Left-sided heart failure causes fluid backup into the pulmonary circulation, producing crackles heard on auscultation.

Before administering digoxin, the LVN's priority assessment is to:

Answer: Assess the apical pulse for one full minute

Digoxin is held if the apical pulse is below 60 bpm due to its negative chronotropic effects on the heart.

Which cluster of findings is most consistent with digoxin toxicity?

Answer: Nausea, vomiting, and bradycardia

Classic digoxin toxicity presents with GI symptoms (nausea, vomiting) and cardiac effects such as bradycardia or arrhythmias.

A patient with COPD is receiving supplemental oxygen. What flow rate prevents suppression of the hypoxic drive?

Answer: 1–2 L/min via nasal cannula

Low-flow oxygen (1–2 L/min) maintains oxygenation in COPD without suppressing the hypoxic respiratory drive.

Which breath sound is most commonly associated with bronchospasm and asthma?

Answer: Wheezing

Wheezing is produced by airflow through narrowed bronchioles, a hallmark finding in asthma and bronchospasm.

After thoracentesis, the LVN should monitor the patient most closely for which priority complication?

Answer: Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax is the most serious complication of thoracentesis, resulting from accidental puncture of the lung.