Chapter 20 - Q & A

Question 1

What is the sac that surrounds and protects the heart is called?

a. Myocardium
b. Pericardium
c. Endocardium
d. Pleural space

Answer 1

ANS: B

The pericardium is a tough, fibrous double-walled sac that surrounds and protects the heart. It has two layers that contain a few milliliters of serous pericardial fluid. The myocardium is the muscular wall of the heart. The endocardium is the thin layer of endothelial tissue that lines the inner surface of the heart chambers and valves. The pleural space is the space between the visceral and parietal pleura of each lung. The sac that surrounds and protects the heart is the pericardium.

Question 2

The direction of blood flow through the heart is best described by which of these?

a. Vena cava → right atrium → right ventricle → lungs → pulmonary artery → left atrium → left ventricle
b. Right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary artery → lungs → pulmonary vein → left atrium → left ventricle
c. Aorta → right atrium → right ventricle → lungs → pulmonary vein → left atrium → left ventricle → vena cava
d. Right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary vein → lungs → pulmonary artery → left atrium → left ventricle

Answer 2

ANS: B

Returning blood from the body empties into the right atrium and flows into the right ventricle and then goes to the lungs through the pulmonary artery. The lungs oxygenate the blood, and it is then returned to the left atrium through the pulmonary vein. The blood goes from there to the left ventricle and then out to the body through the aorta.

Question 3

The nurse is reviewing the anatomy and physiologic functioning of the heart. Which statement best describes what is meant by
atrial kick?

a. The atria contract during systole and attempt to push against closed valves.
b. Contraction of the atria at the beginning of diastole can be felt as a palpitation.
c. Atrial kick is the pressure exerted against the atria as the ventricles contract during systole.
d. The atria contract toward the end of diastole and push the remaining blood into the ventricles.

Answer 3

ANS: D

Toward the end of diastole, the atria contract and push the last amount of blood (approximately 25% of stroke volume) into the ventricles. This active filling phase is called presystole, or atrial systole, or sometimes the atrial kick.

Question 4

When listening to heart sounds, which valve closures are heard best at the base of the heart?

a. Aortic and pulmonic
b. Mitral and pulmonic
c. Mitral and tricuspid
d. Tricuspid and aortic

Answer 4

ANS: A

The second heart sound (S2) occurs with the closure of the semilunar (aortic and pulmonic) valves and signals the end of systole. Although it is heard over all the precordium, the S2 is loudest at the base of the heart.

Question 5

Which of these statements describes the closure of the valves in a normal cardiac cycle?

a. The pulmonic valve closes slightly before the aortic valve.
b. The aortic valve closes slightly before the tricuspid valve.
c. Both the tricuspid and pulmonic valves close at the same time.
d. The tricuspid valve closes slightly later than the mitral valve.

Answer 5

ANS: D

Events occur just slightly later in the right side of the heart because of the route of myocardial depolarization. As a result, two distinct components to each of the heart sounds exist, and sometimes they can be heard separately. In the first heart sound, the mitral component (M1) closes just before the tricuspid component (T1).

Question 6

What component of the conduction system is referred to as the pacemaker of the heart?

a. Bundle of His
b. Bundle branches
c. Sinoatrial (SA) node
d. Atrioventricular (AV) node

Answer 6

ANS: C

Specialized cells in the SA node near the superior vena cava initiate an electrical impulse. Because the SA node has an intrinsic rhythm, it is called the pacemaker of the heart. After the electrical impulse is initiated, it travels across the atria to the AV node where it is delayed slightly so the atria have time to contract before the ventricles are stimulated. Then the impulse travels to the bundle of His, the right and left bundle branches, and then through the ventricles.

Question 7

Which sequence does the electrical stimulus of the cardiac cycle follow?

a. AV node → SA node → bundle of His
b. Bundle of His → AV node → SA node
c. SA node → AV node → bundle of His → bundle branches
d. AV node → SA node → bundle of His → bundle branches

Answer 7

ANS: D

Specialized cells in the SA node near the superior vena cava initiate an electrical impulse. The current flows in an orderly sequence, first across the atria to the AV node low in the atrial septum. There it is delayed slightly, allowing the atria the time to contract before the ventricles are stimulated. Then the impulse travels to the bundle of His, the right and left bundle branches, and then through the ventricles.

Question 8

The findings from an assessment of a 70-year-old patient with swelling in his ankles include jugular venous pulsations 5 cm above the sternal angle when the head of his bed is elevated 45 degrees. What does this finding indicate?

a. Decreased fluid volume
b. Increased cardiac output
c. Narrowing of jugular veins
d. Elevated pressure r/t heart failure

Answer 8

ANS: D

Because no cardiac valve exists to separate the superior vena cava from the right atrium, the jugular veins give information about the activity on the right side of the heart. They reflect filling pressures and volume changes. Normal jugular venous pulsation is 2 cm or less above the sternal angle. Elevated pressure is more than 3 cm above the sternal angle at 45 degrees and occurs with heart
failure.

Question 9

A 25-year-old woman in her fifth month of pregnancy has a blood pressure of 100/70 mm Hg. In reviewing her previous examination, the nurse notes that her blood pressure in her second month was 124/80 mm Hg. In evaluating this change, what does the nurse know to be true?

a. This decline in blood pressure is the result of peripheral vasodilatation and is an expected change.
b. Because of increased cardiac output, the blood pressure should be higher at this time.
c. This change in blood pressure is not an expected finding because it means a decrease in cardiac output.
d. This decline in blood pressure means a decrease in circulating blood volume, which is dangerous for the fetus.

Answer 9

ANS: A

Despite the increased cardiac output, arterial blood pressure decreases in pregnancy because of peripheral vasodilatation. The blood pressure drops to its lowest point during the second trimester and then rises after that.

Question 10

In assessing a 70-year-old man, the nurse finds the following: blood pressure 140/100 mm Hg; heart rate 104 beats per minute and slightly irregular; and the split S2 heart sound. Which of these findings can be explained by the expected hemodynamic changes r/t age?

a. Increase in resting heart rate
b. Increase in systolic blood pressure
c. Decrease in diastolic blood pressure
d. Increase in diastolic blood pressure

Answer 10

ANS: B

With aging, an increase in systolic blood pressure occurs. No significant change in diastolic pressure and no change in the resting heart rate occur with aging. Cardiac output at rest does not changed with aging.

Question 11

A 45-year-old man is in the clinic for a routine physical examination. During the recording of his health history, the patient states that he has been having difficulty sleeping. “I’ll be sleeping great, and then I wake up and feel like I can’t get my breath.” Which is the best response by the nurse?

a. “When was your last electrocardiogram?”
b. “It’s probably because it’s been so hot at night.”
c. “Do you have any history of problems with your heart?”
d. “Have you had a recent sinus infection or upper respiratory infection?”

Answer 11

ANS: C

Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (shortness of breath generally occurring at night) occurs with heart failure. Lying down increases the volume of intrathoracic blood, and the weakened heart cannot accommodate the increased load. Classically, the person awakens after 2 hours of sleep, arises, and flings open a window with the perception of needing fresh air. Although the symptom the patient is describing is likely r/t heart failure, asking when his last electrocardiogram was is not as important as finding out about a history of heart problems. These symptoms are not associated with a sinus or upper respiratory infection.

Question 12

In assessing a patient’s major risk factors for heart disease, which would the nurse want to include when taking a history?

a. Family history, hypertension, stress, and age
b. Personality type, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking
c. Smoking, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol
d. Alcohol consumption, obesity, diabetes, stress, and high cholesterol

Answer 12

ANS: C

To assess for major risk factors of coronary artery disease, the nurse should collect data regarding elevated serum cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, blood glucose levels above 100 mg/dL or known diabetes mellitus, obesity, cigarette smoking, low activity level, and length of any hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal women. Although heredity, or inherited DNA variation, and lifestyle factors each contribute independently to the development of coronary artery disease (CAD), a favorable lifestyle is
associated with a 46% lower risk for CAD events than is an unfavorable lifestyle.

Question 13

The mother of a 3-month-old infant states that her baby has not been gaining weight. With further questioning, the nurse finds that the infant falls asleep after nursing and wakes up after a short-time hungry again. What other information would the nurse want to have?

a. Infant’s sleeping position
b. Sibling history of eating disorders
c. Amount of background noise when eating
d. Presence of dyspnea or diaphoresis when sucking

Answer 13

ANS: D

To screen for heart disease in an infant, the focus should be on feeding. Fatigue during feeding should be noted. An infant with heart failure takes fewer ounces each feeding, becomes dyspneic with sucking, may be diaphoretic, and then falls into exhausted
sleep and awakens after a short -time hungry again. The infant’s sleeping position, sibling history of eating disorders, and amount of background noise with eating are not r/t the symptoms this infant is experiencing. These symptoms are characteristic of heart
disease.

Question 14

What should the nurse do when assessing the carotid arteries of an older patient with cardiovascular disease?

a. Palpate the artery in the upper one-third of the neck.
b. Simultaneously palpate both arteries to compare amplitude.
c. Listen with the bell of the stethoscope to assess for bruits.
d. Instruct the patient to take slow deep breaths during auscultation

Answer 14

ANS: C

If cardiovascular disease is suspected, then the nurse should auscultate each carotid artery for the presence of a bruit. The nurse should avoid compressing the artery, which could create an artificial bruit and compromise circulation if the carotid artery is
already narrowed by atherosclerosis. Excessive pressure on the carotid sinus area high in the neck should be avoided, and excessive vagal stimulation could slow down the heart rate, especially in older adults. Palpating only one carotid artery at a time will avoid compromising arterial blood to the brain. The carotid pulse should be palpated medial to the sternomastoid muscle near the base of
the neck (not the upper third).

Question 15

During an assessment of a 68-year-old man with a recent onset of right-sided weakness, the nurse hears a blowing, swishing sound with the bell of the stethoscope over the left carotid artery. What does this finding indicate?

a. Valvular disorder
b. Blood flow turbulence
c. Fluid volume overload
d. Ventricular hypertrophy

Answer 15

ANS: B

A blowing, swishing sound heard over the carotid artery is a bruit. This sound indicates blood flow turbulence; normally none is present. It does not indicate a valvular disorder (that would be heard when auscultating the heart not the carotid artery), fluid volume overload or ventricular hypertrophy.

Question 16

During an inspection of the precordium of an adult patient, the nurse notices the chest moving in a forceful manner along the sternal border. What does this finding most likely indicate?

a. Systolic murmur
b. Diastolic murmur
c. Enlargement of the left ventricle
d. Enlargement of the right ventricle

Answer 16

ANS: D

This movement along the sternal border is an apical impulse. Normally the examiner may or may not see an apical impulse, but when visible, it occupies the fourth or fifth intercostal space at or inside the midclavicular line. A heave or lift is a sustained forceful thrusting of the ventricle during systole. It occurs with ventricular hypertrophy as a result of increased workload. A right
ventricular heave is seen at the sternal border, as in this patient; a left ventricular heave is seen at the apex.

Question 17

During an assessment of a healthy adult, where would the nurse expect to palpate the apical impulse?

a. Third left intercostal space at the midclavicular line
b. Fourth left intercostal space at the sternal border
c. Fourth left intercostal space at the anterior axillary line
d. Fifth left intercostal space at the midclavicular line

Answer 17

ANS: D

The apical impulse should occupy only one intercostal space, the fourth or fifth, and it should be at or medial to the midclavicular
line.

Question 18

The nurse is examining a patient who has possible cardiac enlargement. Which statement about percussion of the heart is true?

a. Percussion is easier in patients who are obese.
b. Percussion is a useful tool for outlining the heart’s borders.
c. Only expert health care providers should attempt percussion of the heart.
d. Studies show that percussed cardiac borders do not correlate well with the true cardiac border.

Answer 18

ANS: D

Numerous comparison studies have shown that the percussed cardiac border correlates only moderately with the true cardiac border. Percussion is of limited usefulness with the female breast tissue, in a person who is obese, or in a person with a muscular chest wall. Chest x-ray images or echocardiographic examinations are significantly more accurate in detecting heart enlargement.

Question 19

The nurse is preparing to auscultate for heart sounds. Which technique is correct?
a. Listening for all possible sounds at a time at each specified area.
b. Listening to the sounds at the aortic, tricuspid, pulmonic, and mitral areas.
c. Listening to the sounds only at the site where the apical pulse is felt to be the
strongest.
d. Listening by inching the stethoscope in a rough Z pattern, from the base of the
heart across and down, then over to the apex.

Answer 19

ANS: D

Auscultation of breath sounds should not be limited to only four locations. Sounds produced by the valves may be heard all over the precordium. The stethoscope should be inched in a rough Z pattern from the base of the heart across and down, then over to the apex; or, starting at the apex, it should be slowly worked up. Listening selectively to one sound at a time is best.

Question 20

While counting the apical pulse on a 16-year-old patient, the nurse notices an irregular rhythm. His rate speeds up on inspiration and slows on expiration. What should the nurse do?

a. Document this as a normal finding.
b. Talk with the patient about his intake of caffeine.
c. Perform an electrocardiogram after the examination.
d. Refer the patient to a cardiologist for further testing.

Answer 20

ANS: A
This is sinus dysrhythmia which occurs normally in young adults and children. With sinus dysrhythmia, the rhythm varies with the person’s breathing, increasing at the peak of inspiration and slowing with expiration. The nurse should document this as a normal finding. This is a normal finding so there is no need to question the patient about his caffeine intake, perform an electrocardiogram,
or refer to a cardiologist.

Question 21

What is the best description of the S1 heart sound?

a. Indicates the beginning of diastole.
b. Coincides with the carotid artery pulse.
c. Louder than the S2 at the base of the heart.
d. Is caused by the closure of the semilunar valves.

Answer 21

ANS: B

The S1 coincides with the carotid artery pulse, is the start of systole, and is louder than the S2 at the apex of the heart; the S2 is louder than the S1 at the base. The nurse should gently feel the carotid artery pulse while auscultating at the apex of the heart; the
sound heard as each pulse is felt is the S1.

Question 22

During cardiac auscultation, the nurse hears a sound immediately occurring after the S2 at the second left intercostal space. What should the nurse do to further assess this sound?

a. Ask the patient to hold his or her breath while the nurse listens again.
b. No further assessment is needed because the nurse knows this sound is an S3.
c. Watch the patient’s respirations while listening for the effect on the sound.
d. Have the patient turn to the left side while the nurse listens with the bell of the
stethoscope.

Answer 22

ANS: C

A split S2 is a normal phenomenon that occurs toward the end of inspiration in some people. A split S2 is heard only in the pulmonic valve area, the second left interspace. When the split S2 is first heard, the nurse should not be tempted to ask the person to hold his or her breath so that the nurse can concentrate on the sounds. Breath holding will only equalize ejection times in the right
and left sides of the heart and cause the split to go away. Rather, the nurse should concentrate on the split while watching the person’s chest rise up and down with breathing.

Question 23

Which of these findings would the nurse expect to notice during a cardiac assessment on a 4-year-old child?

a. S3 when sitting up
b. Persistent tachycardia above 150 beats per minute
c. Murmur at the second left intercostal space when supine
d. Palpable apical impulse in the fifth left intercostal space lateral to midclavicular
line

Answer 23

ANS: C

Some murmurs are common in healthy children or adolescents and are termed innocent or functional. The innocent murmur is heard at the second or third left intercostal space and disappears with sitting, and the young person has no associated signs of
cardiac dysfunction.

Question 24

While auscultating heart sounds on a 7-year-old child for a routine physical examination, the nurse hears an S3, a soft murmur at the left midsternal border, and a venous hum when the child is standing. What would be
a correct interpretation of these findings?

a. These findings can all be normal in a child.
b. An S3 is indicative of heart disease in children.
c. The venous hum most likely indicates an aneurysm.
d. These findings are indicative of congenital problems.

Answer 24

ANS: A

These are all commonly found in children. A physiologic S3, which occurs early in diastole just after S2, is common in children. A venous hum, caused by turbulence of blood flow in the jugular venous system, is common in healthy children and has no pathologic significance. Heart murmurs that are innocent (or functional) in origin are very common through childhood.

Question 25

During the precordial assessment of a patient who is 8 months pregnant, the nurse palpates the apical impulse at the fourth left intercostal space lateral to the midclavicular line. What does this finding indicate?

a. Right ventricular hypertrophy
b. Increased blood flow through the internal mammary artery
c. Displacement of the heart from elevation of the diaphragm
d. Increased volume and size of the heart as a result of pregnancy

Answer 25

ANS: C

Palpation of the apical impulse is higher and more lateral, compared with the normal position, because the enlarging uterus elevates the diaphragm and displaces the heart up and to the left and rotates it on its long axis. This finding does not indicate right ventricular hypertrophy, increased blood flow through the internal mammary artery, or increased volume and size of the heart.

Question 26

In assessing for an S4 heart sound, what part of the stethoscope should the nurse use and in what location?

a. Bell of the stethoscope at the base with the patient leaning forward
b. Diaphragm of the stethoscope in the aortic area with the patient sitting
c. Diaphragm of the stethoscope in the pulmonic area with the patient supine
d. Bell of the stethoscope at the apex with the patient in the left lateral position

Answer 26

ANS: D

The S4 is a ventricular filling sound that occurs when the atria contract late in diastole and is heard immediately before the S1. The S4 is a very soft sound with a very low pitch. The nurse needs a good bell and must listen for this sound. An S4 is heard best at the apex, with the person in the left lateral position.

Question 27

A 70-year-old patient with a history of hypertension has a blood pressure of 180/100 mm Hg and a heart rate of 90 beats per minute. The nurse hears an extra heart sound at the apex immediately before the S1. The sound is heard only with the bell of the stethoscope while the patient is in the left lateral position. Based on these findings and the patient’s history, the nurse should recognize this extra heart sound is most likely what?

a. Split S1
b. Atrial gallop
c. Diastolic murmur
d. Summation sound

Answer 27

ANS: B

A pathologic S4 is termed an atrial gallop or an S4 gallop. It occurs with decreased compliance of the ventricle and with systolic overload (afterload), including outflow obstruction to the ventricle (aortic stenosis) and systemic hypertension. A left-sided S4 occurs with these conditions and is heard best at the apex with the patient in the left lateral position.

Question 28

The nurse is performing a cardiac assessment on a 65-year-old patient 3 days after her myocardial infarction (MI). Heart sounds are normal when she is supine, but when she is sitting and leaning forward, the nurse hears a high-pitched, scratchy sound with the
diaphragm of the stethoscope at the apex. It disappears on inspiration. What does the nurse suspect?
a. Another MI
b. Increased cardiac output
c. Inflammation of the precordium
d. Ventricular hypertrophy resulting from muscle damage

Answer 28

ANS: C

Inflammation of the precordium gives rise to a friction rub. The sound is high pitched and scratchy, similar to sandpaper being rubbed. A friction rub is best heard with the diaphragm of the stethoscope, with the person sitting up and leaning forward, and with the breath held in expiration. A friction rub can be heard any place on the precordium. Usually, however, the sound is best heard at the apex and left lower sternal border, which are places where the pericardium comes in close contact with the chest wall.

Question 29

The mother of a 10-month-old infant tells the nurse that she has noticed that her son becomes blue when he is crying and that the frequency of this is increasing. He is also not crawling yet. During the examination the nurse palpates a thrill at the left lower sternal border and auscultates a loud systolic murmur in the same area. What would be the most likely cause of these findings?

a. Tetralogy of Fallot
b. Atrial septal defect
c. Patent ductus arteriosus
d. Ventricular septal defect

Answer 29

ANS: A

The cause of these findings is tetralogy of Fallot. Its subjective findings include (1) severe cyanosis, not in the first months of life but developing as the infant grows, and right ventricle outflow (i.e., pulmonic) stenosis that gets worse; (2) cyanosis with crying
and exertion at first and then at rest; and (3) slowed development. Its objective findings include (1) thrill palpable at the left lower sternal border; (2) the S1 is normal, the S2 has a loud A2, and the P2 is diminished or absent; and (3) the murmur is systolic, loud,
and crescendo-decrescendo. Atrial septal defect (ASD) is an abnormal opening in the atrial septum, resulting usually in left-to-right shunt and causing large increase in pulmonary blood flow. However, this defect is tolerated well and infants rarely have symptoms
but a sternal lift is often present and S2 has a fixed split. Patent ductus arteriosus is the persistence of the channel joining left pulmonary artery to aorta (usually closes spontaneously within hours of birth). There are usually no symptoms in early childhood but the blood pressure will have a wide pulse pressure and bounding peripheral pulses from rapid runoff of blood into
low-resistance pulmonary bed during diastole. Thrill is often palpable at left upper sternal border and a continuous murmur heard in systole and diastole is called a machinery murmur. Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is an abnormal opening in the septum between
the ventricles. Small defects are asymptomatic but infants with large defects have poor growth and slow weight gain. A loud, harsh holosystolic murmur can be heard best at the left lower sternal border and may be accompanied by a thrill.

Question 30

A 30-year-old woman with a history of mitral valve problems states that she has been “very tired.” She has started waking up at night and feels like her “heart is pounding.” During the assessment, the nurse palpates a thrill and lift at the fifth left intercostal space midclavicular line. In the same area, the nurse also auscultates a blowing, swishing sound right after the S1. What do these findings most likely indicate?

a. Heart failure
b. Aortic stenosis
c. Pulmonary edema
d. Mitral regurgitation

Answer 30

ANS: D

These findings are consistent with mitral regurgitation. Its subjective findings include fatigue, palpitation, and orthopnea, and its objective findings are (1) a thrill in systole at the apex; (2) a lift at the apex; (3) the apical impulse displaced down and to the left; (4) the S1 is diminished, the S2 is accentuated, and the S3 at the apex is often present; and (5) a pansystolic murmur that is often
loud, blowing, best heard at the apex, and radiating well to the left axilla.

Question 31

During a cardiac assessment on a 38-year-old patient in the hospital for “chest pain,” the nurse finds the following: jugular vein
pulsations 4 cm above the sternal angle when the patient is elevated at 45 degrees, blood pressure 98/60 mm Hg, heart rate 130
beats per minute, ankle edema, difficulty breathing when supine, and an S3 on auscultation. Which of these conditions best explains
the cause of these findings?
a. Heart failure
b. Fluid overload
c. Atrial septal defect
d. Myocardial infarction

Answer 31

ANS: A
Heart failure causes decreased cardiac output when the heart fails as a pump and the circulation becomes backed up and congested.
Signs and symptoms include dyspnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, decreased blood pressure, dependent and pitting edema; anxiety; confusion; jugular vein distention; and fatigue. The S3 is associated with heart failure and is always abnormal after 35 years of age. The S3 may be the earliest sign of heart failure.

Question 32

What is the normal splitting of the S2 is associated with?

a. Expiration
b. Inspiration
c. Exercise state
d. Low resting heart rate

Answer 32

ANS: B

Normal or physiologic splitting of the S2 is associated with inspiration because of the increased blood return to the right side of the heart, delaying closure of the pulmonic valve.

Question 33

The nurse is preparing to teach a class on cardiovascular assessment. When explaining a thrill, what should the nurse include in the
teaching?

a. A vibration that is palpable
b. Palpated in the right epigastric area
c. Associated with ventricular hypertrophy
d. A murmur auscultated at the third intercostal space

Answer 33

ANS: A

A thrill is a palpable vibration that signifies turbulent blood flow and accompanies loud murmurs. The absence of a thrill does not rule out the presence of a murmur.

Question 34

When performing a cardiovascular assessment, what should the nurse understand about an S4 heart sound?

a. Heard at the onset of atrial diastole
b. Often a normal finding in the older adult
c. Heard at the end of ventricular diastole
d. Heard best over the second left intercostal space with the individual sitting
upright

Answer 34

ANS: C

An S4 heart sound is heard at the end of diastole when the atria contract (atrial systole) and when the ventricles are resistant to filling. The S4 occurs just before the S1. It is heard best at the apex with the patient in the left lateral position.

Question 35

During an assessment, the nurse notes that the patient’s apical impulse is laterally displaced and is palpable over a wide area. What
does this finding indicate?
a. Systemic hypertension
b. Pulmonic hypertension
c. Pressure overload, as in aortic stenosis
d. Volume overload, as in heart failure

Answer 35

ANS: D

With volume overload, as in heart failure and cardiomyopathy, cardiac enlargement laterally displaces the apical impulse and is palpable over a wider area when left ventricular hypertrophy and dilation are present. A thrill in the second and third right interspace occurs with systemic hypertension and aortic stenosis and a thrill in the second and third left interspaces occurs with pulmonic hypertension.

Question 36

When the nurse is auscultating the carotid artery for bruits, which of these statements reflects the correct technique?

a. While listening with the bell of the stethoscope, the patient is asked to take a deep breath and hold it.
b. While auscultating one side with the bell of the stethoscope, the carotid artery is palpated on the other side to check pulsations.
c. While lightly applying the bell of the stethoscope over the carotid artery and listening, the patient is asked to take a breath, exhale, and briefly hold it.
d. While firmly placing the bell of the stethoscope over the carotid artery and listening, the patient is asked to take a breath, exhale, and briefly hold it.

Answer 36

ANS: C

The correct technique for auscultating the carotid artery for bruits involves the nurse lightly applying the bell of the stethoscope over the carotid artery at three levels. While listening, the nurse asks the patient take a breath, exhale, and briefly hold it. Holding the breath on inhalation will also tense the levator scapulae muscles, which makes it hard to hear the carotid arteries. Examining only one carotid artery at a time will avoid compromising arterial blood flow to the brain. Pressure over the carotid sinus, which may lead to decreased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and cerebral ischemia with syncope, should be avoided.

Question 37

The nurse is preparing for a class on risk factors for hypertension and reviews recent statistics. Which racial group has the highest prevalence of hypertension in the world?

a. Blacks
b. Whites
c. Hispanics
d. American Indians

Answer 37

ANS: A

According to the American Heart Association, the prevalence of hypertension is higher among blacks than in other racial groups.

Question 38

The nurse is assessing a patient with possible cardiomyopathy and assesses the hepatojugular reflux. If heart failure is present, then the nurse should recognize which finding while pushing on the right upper quadrant of the patient’s abdomen, just below the rib cage?

a. The jugular veins will not be detected during this maneuver.
b. The jugular veins will remain elevated as long as pressure on the abdomen is maintained.
c. An impulse will be visible at the fourth or fifth intercostal space at or inside the midclavicular line.
d. The jugular veins will rise for a few seconds and then recede back to the previous level if the heart is properly working.

Answer 38

ANS: B

When performing hepatojugular reflux, the jugular veins will rise for a few seconds and then recede back to the previous level if the heart is able to pump the additional volume created by the pushing. However, with heart failure, the jugular veins remain elevated as long as pressure on the abdomen is maintained.

Question 39

The nurse is assessing the apical pulse of a 3-month-old infant and finds that the heart rate is 135 beats per minute. How should the nurse interpret this finding?

a. Normal for this age
b. Lower than expected
c. Higher than expected, probably as a result of crying
d. Higher than expected, reflecting persistent tachycardia

Answer 39

ANS: A

The heart rate may range from 100 to 180 beats per minute immediately after birth and then stabilize to an average of 120 to 140 beats per minute. Infants normally have wide fluctuations with activity, from 170 beats per minute or more with crying or being
active to 70 to 90 beats per minute with sleeping. Persistent tachycardia is greater than 200 beats per minute in newborns or greater than 150 beats per minute in infants.