part 5 exam review questions

Question 1

The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a 64-year-old patient with coronary artery disease (CAD). Which factor should the
nurse focus on during the teaching session?
a. Family history of coronary artery disease
b. Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level
c. Greater risk associated with the patient’s gender
d. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease with aging

Answer 1

b. Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level

Question 2

The nurse is admitting a patient who has chest pain. Which assessment data suggest that the pain is from an acute myocardial
infarction?
a. The pain increases with deep breathing.
b. The pain has lasted longer than 30 minutes.
c. The pain is relieved after the patient takes nitroglycerin.
d. The pain is reproducible when the patient raises the arms.

Answer 2

b. The pain has lasted longer than 30 minutes

Question 3

Which information from a patient helps the nurse confirm the previous diagnosis of chronic stable angina?

a. “The pain wakes me up at night.”
b. “The pain is level 3 to 5 (0 to 10 scale).”
c. “The pain has gotten worse over the last week.”
d. “The pain goes away after a nitroglycerin tablet.”

Answer 3

d. “The pain goes away after a nitroglycerin tablet.”

Question 4

Which patient statement indicates that the nurse’s teaching about sublingual nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) has been effective?

a. “I can expect nausea as a side effect of nitroglycerin.”
b. “I should only take nitroglycerin when I have chest pain.”
c. “Nitroglycerin helps prevent a clot from forming and blocking blood flow to my
heart. ”
d. “I will call an ambulance if I have pain after taking 3 nitroglycerin 5 minutes
apart. ”

Answer 4

d. “I will call an ambulance if I have pain after taking 3 nitroglycerin 5 minutes
apart. ”

Question 5

Which patient statement indicates that the nurse’s teaching about carvedilol (Coreg) for preventing anginal episodes has been
effective?
a. “Carvedilol will help my heart muscle work harder.”
b. “It is important not to suddenly stop taking the carvedilol.”
c. “I can expect to feel short of breath when taking carvedilol.”
d. “Carvedilol will increase the blood flow to my heart muscle.”

Answer 5

b. “It is important not to suddenly stop taking the carvedilol.”

Patients who have been taking β-adrenergic blockers can develop intense and frequent angina if the medication is suddenly
discontinued. Carvedilol (Coreg) decreases myocardial contractility.

Question 6

A patient who has had chest pain for several hours is admitted with a diagnosis of rule out acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
Which laboratory test is most specific for the nurse to monitor in determining whether the patient has had an AMI?
a. Myoglobin
b. Homocysteine
c. C-reactive protein
d. Cardiac-specific troponin

Answer 6

d. Cardiac-specific troponin

Troponin levels increase about 4 to 6 hours after the onset of myocardial infarction (MI) and are highly specific indicators for MI.

Question 7

Diltiazem (Cardizem) is prescribed for a patient with newly diagnosed Prinzmetal’s (variant) angina. Which action of diltiazem is
accurate for the nurse to include in the teaching plan?
a. Reduces heart palpitations.
b. Prevents coronary artery plaque.
c. Decreases coronary artery spasms.
d. Increases contractile force of the heart.

Answer 7

c. Decreases coronary artery spasms.

Question 8

Which data indicates to the nurse that the patient with stable angina is experiencing a side effect of metoprolol (Lopressor)?

a. Patient is restless and agitated.
b. Patient reports feeling anxious.
c. Blood pressure is 90/54 mm Hg.
d. Heart monitor shows normal sinus rhythm.

Answer 8

c. Blood pressure is 90/54 mm Hg.

Patients taking β-adrenergic blockers should be monitored for hypotension and bradycardia.

Question 9

Nadolol (Corgard) is prescribed for a patient with chronic stable angina and left ventricular dysfunction. What data would indicate
to the nurse that the drug is effective?
a. Decreased blood pressure and heart rate
b. Improvement in the strength of the distal pulses
c. Fewer complaints of having cold hands and feet
d. Participation in daily activities without chest pain

Answer 9

d. Participation in daily activities without chest pain

Because the drug is ordered to improve the patient’s angina, effectiveness is indicated if the patient is able to accomplish daily
activities without chest pain.

Question 10

Heparin is ordered for a patient with a non–ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). How should the nurse explain
the purpose of the heparin to the patient?
a. “Heparin enhances platelet aggregation at the plaque site.”
b. “Heparin decreases the size of the coronary artery plaque.”
c. “Heparin prevents the development of new clots in the coronary arteries.”
d. “Heparin dissolves clots that are blocking blood flow in the coronary arteries.”

Answer 10

c. “Heparin prevents the development of new clots in the coronary arteries.”