LVN Cardiovascular & Respiratory Care

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

High Fowler's or Semi-Fowler's

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary crackles (rales)

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Assess the apical pulse for one full minute

Answer

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

Question 4

Which cluster of findings is most consistent with digoxin toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Nausea, vomiting, and bradycardia

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

1–2 L/min via nasal cannula

Answer

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

(LVN) Licensed Vocational Nurses Certification Practice Test