The patient has sinus tachycardia, which may have multiple causes, such as pain, dehydration,
anxiety, and myocardial ischemia. Further assessment is needed before determining the
treatment. Vagal stimulation, pain management, or -blockade may be used after further
assessment of the patient.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Analyze (Analysis)
OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: NursingProcess: Implementation
MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
COMPLETION
1. When analyzing an electrocardiographic (ECG) rhythm strip of a patient with a regular heart
rhythm, the nurse counts 30 small blocks from one R wave to the next. The nurse calculates
the patient‘s heart rate as ____.
ANS:
50
There are 1500 small blocks in a minute, and the nurse will divide 1500 by 30.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application)
TOP: NursingProcess: Assessment MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
Chapter 40: Inflammatory and Structural Heart Disorders
Harding: Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The nurse obtains a health history from an older adult with a prosthetic mitral valve who has
symptoms of infective endocarditis (IE). Which question by the nurse helps identify a risk
factor for IE?
a. ―Do you have a history of a heart attack?‖
b. ―Have you had dental work done recently?‖
c. ―Have you had any recent immunizations?‖
d. ―Do you have a family history of endocarditis?‖
ANS: B
Dental procedures place the patient with a prosthetic mitral valve at risk for IE. Myocardial
infarction, immunizations, and a family history of endocarditis are not risk factors for IE.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application)
TOP: NursingProcess: Assessment MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
2. Which finding would the nurse expect when assessing a young adult with infective
endocarditis (IE)?
a. Substernal chest pressure
b. A new regurgitant murmur
c. A pruritic rash on the chest
d. Involuntary muscle movement
ANS: B
New regurgitant murmurs occur in IE because vegetations on the valves prevent valve
closure. Substernal chest discomfort, rashes, and involuntary muscle movement are clinical
manifestations of other cardiac disorders such as angina and rheumatic fever.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application)
TOP: NursingProcess: Assessment MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
3. Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that a patient with infective endocarditis has
impaired cardiac function?
a. Prolonged fever with chills
b. Urine production of 25 mL/hr
c. Increase in heart rate of 15 beats/min with walking
d. Petechiae on the inside of the mouth and conjunctiva
ANS: B
Decreased renal perfusion caused by inadequate cardiac output will lead to decreased urine
output. Petechiae, fever, chills, and diaphoresis are symptoms of IE but are not caused by
decreased cardiac output. An increase in pulse rate of 15 beats/min is normal with exercise.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application)
TOP: NursingProcess: Assessment MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
4. Which intervention would the nurse include when planning care for a patient hospitalized with
a streptococcal infective endocarditis (IE)?
a. Arrange for placement of a long-term IV catheter.
b. Monitor labs for levels of streptococcal antibodies.
c. Teach the importance of completing all oral antibiotics.
d. Encourage the patient to begin regular aerobic exercise.
ANS: A
Treatment for IE involves 4 to 6 weeks of IV antibiotic therapy to eradicate the bacteria,
which will require a long-term IV catheter such as a peripherally inserted central catheter
(PICC) line. Rest periods and limiting physical activity to a moderate level are recommended
during the treatment for IE. Oral antibiotics are not effective in eradicating the infective
bacteria that cause IE. Blood cultures, rather than antibody levels, are used to monitor the
effectiveness of antibiotic therapy.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application) TOP: NursingProcess: Planning
MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
5. A patient is admitted to the hospital with possible acute pericarditis. Which diagnostic test
would the nurse expect the patient to undergo?
a. Blood cultures
b. Echocardiography
c. Cardiac catheterization
d. 24-hour Holter monitor
ANS: B
Echocardiograms are useful in detecting the presence of the pericardial effusions associated
with pericarditis. Blood cultures are not indicated unless the patient has evidence of sepsis.
Cardiac catheterization is not diagnostic for pericarditis. The 12-lead EKG may show changes
with pericarditis, but a 24-hour Holter monitor would not be needed.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application) TOP: NursingProcess: Planning
MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
6. How would the nurse assess the patient with pericarditis for a pericardial friction rub?
a. Auscultate with the diaphragm of the stethoscope on the lower left sternal border.
b. Auscultate for a rumbling, low-pitched, systolic murmur over the left anterior
chest.
c. Feel the precordial area with the palm of the hand to detect vibrations with cardiac
contraction.
d. Ask the patient to cough during auscultation to distinguish the sound from a
pleural friction rub.
ANS: A
Pericardial friction rubs are best heard with the diaphragm at the lower left sternal border. The
nurse should ask the patient to hold his or her breath during auscultation to distinguish the
sounds from a pleural friction rub. Friction rubs are not typically low pitched or rumbling and
are not confined to systole. Rubs are not assessed by palpation.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Understand (Comprehension)
TOP: NursingProcess: Assessment MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
7. The nurse suspects cardiac tamponade in a patient who has acute pericarditis. How would the
nurse assess for the presence of pulsus paradoxus?
a. Subtract the diastolic blood pressure from the systolic blood pressure.
b. Note when Korotkoff sounds are heard during both inspiration and expiration.
c. Check the electrocardiogram (ECG) for variations in rate during the respiratory
cycle.
d. Listen for a pericardial friction rub that persists when the patient is instructed to
stop breathing.
ANS: B
Pulsus paradoxus exists when there is a gap of greater than 10 mm Hg between when
Korotkoff sounds can be heard during only expiration and when they can be heard throughout
the respiratory cycle. The other methods described would not be useful in determining the
presence of pulsus paradoxus. The difference between the diastolic blood pressure and the
systolic blood pressure is known as the pulse pressure.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application)
TOP: NursingProcess: Assessment MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
8. A patient has pain due to acute pericarditis. Which action would the nurse take?
a. Force fluids to 3000 mL/day to decrease the inflammation.
b. Teach the patient to take deep, slow breaths to control the pain.
c. Place the patient in Fowler‘s position, leaning forward on the table.
d. Provide a fresh ice bag every hour for the patient to place on the chest.
ANS: C
Sitting upright and leaning forward often will decrease the pain associated with pericarditis.
Forcing fluids will not decrease the inflammation or pain. Taking deep breaths will tend to
increase pericardial pain. Ice does not decrease this type of inflammation and pain.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application)
TOP: NursingProcess: Implementation MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
9. The nurse is admitting a patient with possible rheumatic fever. Which question on the
admission health history focuses on a pertinent risk factor for rheumatic fever?
a. ―Do you use any illegal IV drugs?‖
b. ―Have you ever injured your chest?‖
c. ―Have you had a recent sore throat?‖
d. ―Do you have a family history of heart disease?‖
ANS: C
Rheumatic fever occurs because of an abnormal immune response to a streptococcal infection.
Although IV drug use should be discussed with the patient before discharge, it is not a risk
factor for rheumatic fever. Family history is not a risk factor for rheumatic fever. Chest injury
would cause musculoskeletal chest pain rather than rheumatic fever.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application)
TOP: NursingProcess: Assessment MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
10. A patient with rheumatic fever has subcutaneous nodules, erythema marginatum, and
polyarthritis. The patient reports that joint discomfort prevents favorite activities such as
taking a daily walk and sewing. Which patient problem would be the focus of nursing
interventions?
a. Social isolation
b. General anxiety
c. Activity intolerance
d. Altered body image
ANS: C
The patient‘s joint pain will lead to difficulty with activity. Although acute joint pain will be a
problem for this patient, joint inflammation is a temporary clinical manifestation of rheumatic
fever and is not associated with permanent joint changes. This patient did not provide any data
to support a problem with social isolation, anxiety, or altered body image.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application) TOP: NursingProcess: Planning
MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
11. The home health nurse is visiting a 30-yr-old patient recovering from rheumatic fever without
carditis. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
a. ―I will need prophylactic antibiotic therapy for 5 years.‖
b. ―I can take aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve my joint pain.‖
c. ―I will be immune to future episodes of rheumatic fever after this infection.‖
d. ―I should call the health care provider if I am tired or have trouble breathing.‖
ANS: C
Patients with a history of rheumatic fever are more susceptible to a second episode. Patients
with rheumatic fever without carditis require prophylaxis until age 20 years and for a
minimum of 5 years. The other patient statements are correct.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application) TOP: NursingProcess: Evaluation
MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
12. Which action would the nurse include in a community health program to decrease the
incidence of rheumatic fever?
a. Vaccinate high-risk groups in the community with streptococcal vaccine.
b. Teach community members to seek treatment for streptococcal pharyngitis.
c. Teach about the importance of monitoring temperature when sore throats occur.
d. Teach about prophylactic antibiotics to those with a family history of rheumatic
fever.
ANS: B
The incidence of rheumatic fever is decreased by treatment of streptococcal infections with
antibiotics. Family history is not a risk factor for rheumatic fever. There is no immunization
that is effective in decreasing the incidence of rheumatic fever. Teaching about monitoring
temperature will not decrease the incidence of rheumatic fever.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application) TOP: NursingProcess: Planning
MSC:NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance
13. Which finding for a patient with mitral valve stenosis would be of most concern to the nurse?
a. Diastolic murmur
b. Peripheral edema
c. Shortness of breath on exertion
d. Right upper quadrant tenderness
ANS: C
The pressure gradient changes in mitral stenosis lead to fluid backup into the lungs, resulting
in hypoxemia and dyspnea. The other findings also may be associated with mitral valve
disease but are not indicators of hypoxemia, which is a priority.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Analyze (Analysis)
TOP: NursingProcess: Assessment MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
14. A 21-yr-old woman is considering heart valve replacement surgery. Which information would
the nurse include when explaining the differences in ongoing care required with different
types of valves?
a. Biologic valves require immunosuppressive drugs after surgery.
b. Mechanical mitral valves need to be replaced sooner than biologic valves.
c. Lifelong anticoagulant therapy is needed after mechanical valve replacement.
d. Ongoing care by a health care provider is not necessary after valve replacement.
ANS: C
Long-term anticoagulation therapy is needed after mechanical valve replacement, and this
would restrict decisions about career and childbearing in this patient. Mechanical valves are
durable and last longer than biologic valves. All valve repair procedures are palliative, not
curative, and require lifelong health care. Biologic valves do not activate the immune system
and immunosuppressive therapy is not needed.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application)
TOP: NursingProcess: Implementation MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
15. Which statement by a 23-yr-old patient who has mitral valve prolapse (MVP) without valvular
regurgitation indicates that discharge teaching has been effective?
a. ―I will take antibiotics before any dental appointments.‖
b. ―I will limit physical activity to avoid stressing the heart.‖
c. ―I should avoid over-the-counter drugs that contain stimulants.‖
d. ―I should take an aspirin a day to prevent clots from forming on the valve.‖
ANS: C
Patients with MVP should avoid using stimulant drugs because they may exacerbate
symptoms. Daily aspirin and restricted physical activity are not needed by patients with mild
MVP. Antibiotic prophylaxis is needed for patients with MVP with regurgitation but will not
be necessary for this patient.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application) TOP: NursingProcess: Evaluation
MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
16. A patient with aortic stenosis has acute pain due to decreased coronary blood flow. Which
intervention would the nurse plan for this patient?
a. Promote rest to decrease myocardial oxygen demand.
b. Teach the patient to self-administer anticoagulant therapy.
c. Teach the patient to use sublingual nitroglycerin for chest pain.
d. Raise the head of the bed 60 degrees to decrease venous return.
ANS: A
Rest is recommended to balance myocardial oxygen supply and demand and to decrease chest
pain. The patient with aortic stenosis requires higher preload to maintain cardiac output, so
nitroglycerin and measures to decrease venous return are contraindicated. Anticoagulation is
not recommended unless the patient has atrial fibrillation.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application) TOP: NursingProcess: Planning
MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
17. An older adult patient who had a mitral valve replacement with a mechanical valve is taking
warfarin. Which information would the nurse include in discharge teaching?
a. Use of daily aspirin for anticoagulation.
b. Correct method for taking the radial pulse.
c. Need for frequent laboratory blood testing.
d. Plan to avoid any physical activity for 1 month.
ANS: C
Anticoagulation with warfarin (Coumadin) is needed for a patient with mechanical valves to
prevent clotting on the valve. This will require frequent international normalized ratio testing.
Daily aspirin use will not be effective in reducing the risk for clots on the valve. Monitoring
of the radial pulse is not necessary after valve replacement. Patients should resume activities
of daily living as tolerated.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application)
TOP: NursingProcess: Implementation MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
18. A patient recovering from heart surgery develops pericarditis and reports level 6 (0 to 10
scale) chest pain with deep breathing. Which prescribed PRN medication will likely be the
most helpful in relieving the pain?
a. Fentanyl 1 mg IV
b. IV morphine sulfate 4 mg
c. Oral ibuprofen (Motrin) 600 mg
d. Oral acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg
ANS: C
The pain associated with pericarditis is caused by inflammation, so nonsteroidal
antiinflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen) are most effective. Opioid analgesics and
acetaminophen are not very effective for the pain associated with pericarditis.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Analyze (Analysis)
TOP: NursingProcess: Implementation MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
19. Which assessment finding for a patient with infective endocarditis is consistent with
embolized vegetations from the tricuspid valve?
a. Flank pain
b. Splenomegaly
c. Shortness of breath
d. Mental status changes
ANS: C
Embolization from the tricuspid valve would cause symptoms of pulmonary embolus. Flank
pain, changes in mental status, and splenomegaly would be associated with embolization from
the left-sided valves.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application)
TOP: NursingProcess: Assessment MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
20. A patient admitted with acute dyspnea is newly diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Which information will the nurse plan to teach the patient?
a. A heart transplant should be scheduled as soon as possible.
b. Notify the health care provider about worsening symptoms.
c. Elevating the legs above the heart will help relieve dyspnea.
d. Careful compliance with diet and medications will prevent heart failure.
ANS: B
The patient should be instructed to notify the health care provider about any worsening of
heart failure symptoms. Because dilated cardiomyopathy does not respond well to therapy,
even patients with good compliance with therapy may have recurrent episodes of heart failure.
Elevation of the legs above the heart will worsen symptoms (although this approach is
appropriate for a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). The patient with terminal or
end-stage cardiomyopathy may consider heart transplantation.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application) TOP: NursingProcess: Planning
MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
21. The nurse is obtaining a health history from a 24-yr-old patient with hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy (CMP). Which information obtained by the nurse is most important in
planning care?
a. The patient had a recent upper respiratory infection.
b. The patient has a family history of coronary artery disease.
c. The patient reports using cocaine ―a few times‖ as a teenager.
d. The patient‘s 29-yr-old brother died from a sudden cardiac arrest.
ANS: D
About half of all cases of hypertrophic CMP have a genetic basis, and it is the most common
cause of sudden cardiac death in otherwise healthy young people. The information about the
patient‘s brother will be helpful in planning care (e.g., an automatic implantable
cardioverter-defibrillator [AICD]) for the patient and in counseling other family members.
The patient should be counseled against the use of stimulant drugs, but the limited past history
indicates that the patient is not currently at high risk for cocaine use. Viral infections and
CAD are risk factors for dilated cardiomyopathy but not for hypertrophic CMP.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Analyze (Analysis) TOP: NursingProcess: Planning
MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
22. Which patient will need the nurse to plan discharge teaching about prophylactic antibiotics
before dental procedures?
a. Patient admitted with a large acute myocardial infarction
b. Patient being discharged after an exacerbation of heart failure
c. Patient who had a mitral valve replacement with a mechanical valve
d. Patient being treated for rheumatic fever after a streptococcal infection
ANS: C
Current American Heart Association guidelines recommend the use of prophylactic antibiotics
before dental procedures for patients with prosthetic valves to prevent infective endocarditis
(IE). The other patients are not at high risk for IE.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application)
OBJ: Special Questions: Multiple Patients TOP: NursingProcess: Planning
MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
23. Which admission prescription written by the health care provider for a patient admitted with
infective endocarditis (IE) and a fever would be a priority for the nurse to implement?
a. Administer an IV antibiotic.
b. Draw blood cultures from two sites.
c. Schedule a transesophageal echocardiogram.
d. Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) PRN for fever.
ANS: B
Treatment of the IE with antibiotics should be started as quickly as possible, but it is essential
to obtain blood cultures before starting antibiotic therapy to obtain accurate sensitivity results.
The echocardiogram and acetaminophen administration also should be implemented rapidly,
but the blood cultures (and then administration of the antibiotic) have the highest priority.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Analyze (Analysis)
OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: NursingProcess: Implementation
MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
24. Which assessment finding in a patient who is admitted with infective endocarditis (IE) is most
important to communicate to the health care provider?
a. Muscle aching
b. Right flank pain
c. Janeway‘s lesions on the palms
d. Temperature 100.7F (38.1C)
ANS: B
Flank pain indicates possible embolization to the kidney and may require diagnostic testing
such as a renal arteriogram and interventions to improve renal perfusion. The other findings
are typically found in IE but do not require any new interventions.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Analyze (Analysis)
OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: NursingProcess: Assessment
MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
25. Which finding by the nurse assessing a patient with acute pericarditis should be reported
immediately to the health care provider?
a. Jugular veins are flat
b. Pulsus paradoxus of 20 mm Hg
c. Blood pressure (BP) of 168/94 mm Hg
d. Level 6 (0 to 10 scale) chest pain with a deep breath
ANS: B
A pulsus paradoxus of less than 10 is normal; 20 mm Hg indicates possible cardiac
tamponade. Distended jugular veins could indicate that the patient may have developed
cardiac tamponade but flat jugular veins does not indicate an urgent problem. The BP is not
high enough to indicate that there is any immediate need to call the health care provider. Level
6/10 chest pain should be treated but is not unusual with pericarditis.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Analyze (Analysis)
OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: NursingProcess: Assessment
MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
26. The nurse is caring for a patient with aortic stenosis. Which assessment data would be most
important to report to the health care provider?
a. The patient reports chest pressure when ambulating.
b. A loud systolic murmur is heard along the right sternal border.
c. A thrill is palpated at the second intercostal space, right sternal border.
d. The point of maximum impulse (PMI) is at the left midclavicular line.
ANS: A
Chest pressure (or pain) occurring with aortic stenosis is caused by cardiac ischemia and
reporting this information would be a priority. A systolic murmur and thrill are expected in a
patient with aortic stenosis. A PMI at the left midclavicular line is normal.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Analyze (Analysis)
OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: NursingProcess: Assessment
MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
27. Two days after an acute myocardial infarction (MI), a patient reports stabbing chest pain that
increases with a deep breath. Which action will the nurse take first?
a. Auscultate the heart sounds.
b. Check the patient‘s temperature.
c. Give PRN acetaminophen (Tylenol).
d. Notify the patient‘s health care provider.
ANS: A
The patient‘s clinical manifestations and history are consistent with pericarditis, and the first
action by the nurse would be to listen for a pericardial friction rub. Checking the temperature
and notifying the health care provider are also appropriate actions but would not be done
before listening for a rub. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is not effective for pericarditis pain. An
analgesic would not be given before assessment of a new symptom.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Analyze (Analysis)
OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: NursingProcess: Implementation
MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
28. The nurse is caring for a patient with mitral valve regurgitation. Which information obtained
by the nurse would be reported to the health care provider immediately?
a. The patient has 4+ peripheral edema.
b. The patient has diffuse bilateral crackles.
c. The patient has a loud systolic murmur across the precordium.
d. The patient has a palpable thrill felt over the left anterior chest.
ANS: B
Crackles that are audible throughout the lungs indicate that the patient is experiencing severe
left ventricular failure with pulmonary congestion and needs immediate interventions such as
diuretics. A systolic murmur and palpable thrill would be expected in a patient with mitral
regurgitation. Although 4+ peripheral edema indicates a need for a change in therapy, it does
not need to be addressed urgently.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Analyze (Analysis)
OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: NursingProcess: Assessment
MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
29. Which action by the nurse will determine if therapies ordered for a patient with chronic
constrictive pericarditis are effective?
a. Assess for the presence of a paradoxical pulse.
b. Monitor for changes in the patient‘s sedimentation rate.
c. Assess for the presence of jugular venous distention (JVD).
d. Check the electrocardiogram (ECG) for ST segment changes.
ANS: C
Because the most common finding on physical examination for a patient with chronic
constrictive pericarditis is jugular venous distention, a decrease in JVD indicates
improvement. Paradoxical pulse, ST segment ECG changes, and changes in sedimentation
rates occur with acute pericarditis but are not expected in chronic constrictive pericarditis.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application) TOP: NursingProcess: Evaluation
MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
30. Which statement by a patient with restrictive cardiomyopathy indicates that the nurse‘s
discharge teaching about self-management has been effective?
a. ―I will avoid taking aspirin or other antiinflammatory drugs.‖
b. ―I can restart my exercise program that includes hiking and biking.‖
c. ―I will need to limit my intake of salt and fluids even in hot weather.‖
d. ―I will take antibiotics before my teeth are cleaned at the dental office.‖
ANS: D
Patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy are at risk for infective endocarditis and would use
prophylactic antibiotics for any procedure that may cause bacteremia. The other statements
indicate a need for more teaching by the nurse. Dehydration and vigorous exercise impair
ventricular filling in patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy. There is no need to avoid salt
(unless ordered), aspirin, or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application) TOP: NursingProcess: Evaluation
MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
31. The nurse is assessing a patient with myocarditis before giving a scheduled dose of digoxin
(Lanoxin). Which finding is most important for the nurse to communicate to the health care
provider?
a. Fatigue
b. Leukocytosis
c. Irregular pulse
d. Generalized myalgia
ANS: C
Myocarditis predisposes the heart to digoxin-associated dysrhythmias and toxicity. The other
findings are common symptoms of myocarditis and there is no urgent need to report these.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Analyze (Analysis)
OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: NursingProcess: Assessment
MSC:NCLEX: PhysiologicalIntegrity
32. After receiving change-of-shift report on four patients, which patient would the nurse assess
first?
a. Patient with rheumatic fever who has sharp chest pain with a deep breath.
b. Patient with acute aortic regurgitation whose blood pressure is 86/54 mm Hg.
c. Patient with infective endocarditis who has a murmur and splinter hemorrhages.
d. Patient with dilated cardiomyopathy who has bilateral crackles at the lung bases.
ANS: B
Hypotension in patients with acute aortic regurgitation may indicate cardiogenic shock. The
nurse would immediately assess this patient for other findings such as dyspnea, chest pain or
tachycardia. The findings in the other patients are typical of their diagnoses and do not
indicate a need for urgent assessment and intervention.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Analyze (Analysis)
OBJ: Special Questions: Multiple Patients | Special Questions: Prioritization
TOP: NursingProcess: Assessment MSC:NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment
33. After receiving information about four patients during change-of-shift report, which patient
would the nurse assess first?
a. Patient with acute pericarditis who has a pericardial friction rub.
b. Patient who has just returned to the unit after balloon valvuloplasty.
c. Patient who has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and a heart rate of 116.
d. Patient with a mitral valve replacement who has an anticoagulant scheduled.
ANS: B
The patient who has just arrived after balloon valvuloplasty will need assessment for
complications such as bleeding and hypotension. The information about the other patients is
consistent with their diagnoses and does not indicate any complications or need for urgent
assessment or intervention.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Analyze (Analysis)
OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization | Special Questions: Multiple Patients
TOP: NursingProcess: Planning MSC:NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment
34. Which action could the nurse delegate to assistive personnel (AP) trained as
electrocardiogram (ECG) technicians working on the cardiac unit?
a. Select the best lead for monitoring a patient with an admission diagnosis of
Dressler syndrome.
b. Obtain a list of herbal medications used at home while admitting a new patient
with pericarditis.
c. Teach about the need to monitor the weight daily for a patient who has
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
d. Watch the heart monitor for changes in rhythm while a patient who had a valve
replacement ambulates.
ANS: D
Under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs), APs check the patient‘s cardiac monitor and
obtain information about changes in heart rate and rhythm with exercise. Teaching and
obtaining information about home medications (prescribed or complementary) and selecting
the best leads for monitoring patients require more critical thinking and would be done by the
RN.
DIF:CognitiveLevel: Apply (Application)
OBJ: Special Questions: Delegation TOP: NursingProcess: Planning
MSC:NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment
35. The nurse is caring for a patient with mitral regurgitation. Referring to the figure below,
where would the nurse listen to best hear a murmur typical of mitral regurgitation?
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4
ANS: D