Cardiac Quiz

A nurse assesses a client in an outpatient clinic. Which statement alerts the nurse to the possibility of left-sided heart failure?

• “I have been drinking more water than usual.”

• “I am awakened by the need to urinate at night.”

• “I must stop halfway up the stairs to catch my breath.”

• “I have experienced blurred vision on several occasions.”

A nurse assesses a client admitted to the cardiac unit. Which statement by the client alerts the nurse to the possibility of right-sided heart failure?

• “I sleep with four pillows at night.”

• “My shoes fit really tight lately.”

• “I wake up coughing every night.”

• “I have trouble catching my breath.”

A nurse cares for a client with right-sided heart failure. The client asks, “Why do I need to weigh myself every day?” How would the nurse respond?

• “Weight is the best indication that you are gaining or losing fluid.”

• “Daily weights will help us make sure that you’re eating properly.”

• “The hospital requires that all clients be weighed daily.”

• “You need to lose weight to decrease the incidence of heart failure.”

A nurse assesses a client after administering the first dose of a nitrate. The client reports a headache. What action would the nurse take?

• Initiate oxygen therapy.

• Hold the next dose.

• Instruct the client to drink water.

• Administer PRN acetaminophen.

A nurse admits a client who is experiencing an exacerbation of heart failure. What action would the nurse take first?

• Assess the client’s respiratory status.

• Draw blood to assess the client’s serum electrolytes.

• Administer intravenous furosemide.

• Ask the client about current medications.

A nurse cares for a client with end-stage heart failure who is awaiting a transplant. The client appears depressed and states, “I know a transplant is my last chance, but I don’t want to become a vegetable.” How would the nurse respond?

• “Would you like to speak with a priest or chaplain?”

• “I will arrange for a psychiatrist to speak with you.”

• “Do you want to come off the transplant list?”

• “Would you like information about advance directives?”

A nurse assesses a client who has a history of heart failure. Which question would the nurse ask to assess the extent of the client’s heart failure?

• “Do you have trouble breathing or chest pain?”

• “Are you still able to walk upstairs without fatigue?”

• “Do you awake with breathlessness during the night?”

• “Do you have new-onset heaviness in your legs?”

A nurse assesses a client with pericarditis. Which assessment finding would the nurse expect to find?

• Heart rate that speeds up and slows down.

• Friction rub at the left lower sternal border

• Presence of a regular gallop rhythm.

• Coarse crackles in bilateral lung bases.

All of the following diet modifications would be encouraged to lower blood pressure EXCEPT:

DASH diet: recommended for lowering blood pressure, rich in vegetables, fruits and grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy, limiting foods high in saturated fat. ALSO: Optimal sodium in take to control hypertension: 1,500 mg/daily

• Fat free or low fat diary

• 3 gm daily sodium intake or less

• limit saturated fat

• increase fruits grains and vegetables

After administering digoxin what would assessment would the nurse expect to find?

• Increased heart rate

• Decreased heart rate

• Jugular Vein Distension

• Increased urine output