Chapter 21

Which statement is true regarding the arterial system? (pg.255)

• Arteries are large-diameter vessels.

• The arterial system is a high-pressure system.

• The walls of arteries are thinner than those of the veins.

• Arteries can greatly expand to accommodate a large blood volume increase.

The nurse is reviewing the blood supply to the arm. What major artery supplies blood to the arm? (pg.255)

• Ulnar

• Radial

• Brachial

• Deep palmar

The nurse is preparing to assess the dorsalis pedis artery. Where is the correct location for palpation? (pg.255)

• Behind the knee

• Over the lateral malleolus

• In the groove behind the medial malleolus

• Lateral to the extensor tendon of the great toe

A 65-year-old patient is experiencing pain in his left calf when he exercises which disappears after resting for a few minutes. What problem in the left leg does this indicate? (pg.255)

• Venous obstruction

• Partial blockage of an artery

• Claudication due to venous abnormalities

• Ischemia caused by the complete blockage of an artery

The nurse is reviewing venous blood flow patterns. Which of these statements best describes the mechanism(s) by which venous blood returns to the heart? (pg.256)

• Intraluminal valves ensure unidirectional flow toward the heart.

• Contracting skeletal muscles milk blood distally toward the veins.

• High-pressure system of the heart helps facilitate venous return.

• Increased thoracic pressure and decreased abdominal pressure facilitate venous return to the heart.

Which vein(s) is(are) responsible for most of the venous return in the arm? (pg.256)

• Deep

• Ulnar

• Subclavain

• Superficial

A 70-year-old patient is scheduled for open-heart surgery. The surgeon plans to use the great saphenous vein for the coronary bypass grafts. The patient asks, “What happens to my circulation when this vein is removed?” How should the nurse reply? (pg.256)

• “Venous insufficiency is a common problem after this type of surgery.”

• “Oh, you have lots of veins—you won’t even notice that it has been removed.”

• “You will probably experience decreased circulation after the vein is removed.”

• “This vein can be removed without harming your circulation because the deeper

The nurse is reviewing the risk factors for venous disease. Which of these situations best describes a person at highest risk for the development of venous disease? (pg.257)

• Person who has been on bed rest for 4 days

• Older adult taking anticoagulant medication

• Woman in the second month of her first pregnancy

• Person with a 30-year, 1 pack per day smoking habit

The nurse is teaching a review class on the lymphatic system. Which statement by a class participant indicates correct understanding of the material? (pg.257)

• “Lymph flow is propelled by the contraction of the heart.”

• “The flow of lymph is slow, compared with that of the blood.”

• “One of the functions of the lymph is to absorb lipids from the biliary tract.”

• “Lymph vessels have no valves; therefore, lymph fluid flows freely from the tissue spaces into the bloodstream.”

When performing an assessment of a patient, the nurse notices the presence of an enlarged right epitrochlear lymph node. What should the nurse do next? (pg.257)

• Assess the patient’s abdomen, and notice any tenderness.

• Carefully assess the cervical lymph nodes, and check for any enlargement.

• Ask additional health history questions regarding any recent ear infections or sore throats

• Examine the patient’s lower arm and hand, and check for the presence of infection or lesions.