Cardiovascular & Respiratory Care Flashcards

A patient presents with chest pain radiating to the left arm, diaphoresis, and nausea. The LVN's priority action is to:

Answer: Notify the charge nurse or physician immediately

These are classic signs of myocardial infarction, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate physician notification.

Which medication is administered sublingually to treat an acute angina attack?

Answer: Nitroglycerin

Sublingual nitroglycerin rapidly dilates coronary vessels, relieving ischemic chest pain within minutes.

Which dietary instruction is most important for a patient with hypertension?

Answer: Reduce sodium intake

Reducing sodium lowers fluid retention and vascular resistance, directly decreasing blood pressure.

A patient returns from cardiac catheterization via femoral access. The LVN's most important immediate assessment is:

Answer: Bleeding and hematoma formation at the site

Bleeding and hematoma at the femoral access site are the most immediate post-catheterization complications requiring monitoring.

Which assessment finding indicates that a peripheral IV site has developed phlebitis?

Answer: Redness, warmth, and tenderness along the vein

Phlebitis is characterized by the classic inflammatory signs: redness, warmth, and tenderness along the affected vein.

A patient diagnosed with atrial fibrillation is at greatest risk for which serious complication?

Answer: Thromboembolism and stroke

Atrial fibrillation causes blood to pool in the atria, promoting clot formation that can travel to the brain and cause stroke.

The LVN is caring for a ventilated patient. Which alarm requires immediate assessment?

Answer: High-pressure or low-pressure ventilator alarm

High- or low-pressure alarms signal airway obstruction, circuit disconnection, or other life-threatening ventilation changes.