Chapter 19, Common Cardiovascular Disorders

Chapter NCLEX-Style Review Questions

1. A physician is evaluating a 21-year-old college basketball player who collapsed during a game and required emergency resuscitation. Which statement by the student’s coach has the greatest implication for continued evaluation of the student?

  1. The student’s uncle died of sudden cardiac death (SCD) 2 years ago at the age of 35 without an obvious cause.
  2. The student has been under a lot of stress and not sleeping.
  3. The student recently recovered from a cold.
  4. The student’s father has diabetes and high blood pressure.

2. A nurse is evaluating a patient who presents to the emergency department complaining of a severe headache for the past 3 days. Which findings should alert the nurse to prepare for immediate reduction of the blood pressure (BP)?

  1. BP, 150/90 mm Hg; complaints of headache, weakness, and fatigue; normal neurological examination; urine output 90 mL/h
  1. BP, 190/130 mm Hg; complaints of headache, weakness, and fatigue; nausea, vomiting, and disorientation; urine output 15 mL/h
  2. BP, 160/100 mm Hg; complaints of headache, weakness, and fatigue; loss of appetite; has not voided for several hours
  3. BP, 160/90 mm Hg; complaints of headache, weakness, and fatigue; normal neurological examination; temperature 102.2°F (39°C)

3. A 64-year-old man with a history of tobacco use, coronary artery disease, and hypertension has been admitted to evaluate new-onset chest pain. While assessing the patient, the nurse asks him about his pain. Which of the following descriptions leads the nurse to suspect dissecting aortic aneurysm?

  1. The pain occurred suddenly in his back and is described as an intense ongoing tearing pain.
  2. The patient reports that his pain is relieved when he leans forward on the Gurney.
  3. The pain increases while mowing his lawn but resolves with rest.
  4. The pain is present throughout the chest wall and intensifies with coughing.

4. A nurse is preparing discharge instructions for a 45-year-old man with newly diagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Prior to admission, the patient was an avid runner. He experienced syncope while running but no dysrhythmias. Discharge instructions should include which of the following information?

  1. Limitations on physical activity, screening of family members, and genetic counseling
  2. Medication instructions regarding beta-blockers, screening of family members, and physical limitations
  3. Signs and symptoms of worsening disease, limitations on physical activity, medication instructions, and guidance regarding family member screening and genetic counseling
  4. Limitations on running and need for defibrillator therapy

5. A nurse is assessing a 72-year-old man with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with an ejection fraction of 15%. He is being discharged with multiple medications. Which finding has the greatest implication for the patient’s care?

  1. The patient is a widower who lives by himself in his home.
  2. The patient has recently been diagnosed with dementia.
  3. The patient drives himself to appointments to his health care provider.
  4. The patient drinks a glass of wine daily.