PCCN - Cardiovascular Patient Management Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient is admitted with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and presents with dyspnea, orthopnea, and 3+ pitting edema in the lower extremities.
The patient's blood pressure is 98/60 mmHg.
Which of the following interventions is the priority for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Administering intravenous furosemide.

Answer

Administering a bolus of intravenous normal saline.

Answer

Applying multi-layer compression wraps to the lower extremities.

Answer

Initiating an intravenous dobutamine infusion.

Question 2

A patient returns to the progressive care unit after a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via the right radial artery. Which of the following assessment findings requires immediate nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

The patient complains of numbness and tingling in the right fingers.

Answer

The patient reports a pain level of 2/10 at the access site.

Answer

Capillary refill in the right hand is less than 3 seconds.

Answer

A small amount of bruising is noted around the insertion site.

Question 3

Which of the following medication classes is considered first-line for rate control in a stable patient newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and a rapid ventricular response?

Accepted Answer

Beta-blockers

Answer

Amiodarone

Answer

Digoxin

Answer

Sodium channel blockers

Question 4

A progressive care nurse is caring for a patient who is 48 hours post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The patient is hemodynamically stable and has been extubated. Which nursing intervention is crucial to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer and splinting the incision when coughing.

Answer

Maintaining strict bed rest for 72 hours.

Answer

Administering cough suppressants to minimize incisional pain.

Answer

Limiting oral fluid intake to prevent fluid overload.

Question 5

A patient with a history of heart failure is being discharged from the progressive care unit. The nurse is providing education on lifestyle modifications. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

Accepted Answer

"I will try to drink at least 3 liters of water every day to stay hydrated."

Answer

"I will weigh myself every morning and call my doctor if I gain more than 3 pounds in a day."

Answer

"I should limit my sodium intake to no more than 2,000 milligrams per day."

Answer

"I need to make sure I take my medications every day, even if I am feeling better."

Question 6

A patient is admitted with an acute inferior wall myocardial infarction. The nurse should be most vigilant for the development of which of the following dysrhythmias?

Accepted Answer

Atrioventricular (AV) block

Answer

Atrial fibrillation

Answer

Ventricular tachycardia

Answer

Sinus tachycardia