DOH Cardiovascular Nursing Practice Questions

1. Which blood test result supports a diagnosis of heart failure in a patient with dyspnoea?

1. A. Raised B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)
2. B. Low thyroid-stimulating hormone
3. C. Low serum amylase
4. D. Raised serum lipase

2. A patient has a confirmed deep vein thrombosis in the left calf. Which action should the nurse avoid?

1. A. Assessing for signs of pulmonary embolism
2. B. Measuring calf circumference
3. C. Giving prescribed anticoagulants
4. D. Massaging the affected leg

3. Which description best matches a venous leg ulcer?

1. A. Small painless ulcer on the sole under a callus
2. B. Shallow, irregular ulcer near the medial malleolus with surrounding brown skin
3. C. Black, dry ulcer on the heel with absent pulses
4. D. Deep, punched-out painful ulcer on the tip of a toe

4. A patient with Raynaud's phenomenon asks how to reduce the number of attacks. Which advice is most appropriate?

1. A. Keep the hands and whole body warm and avoid smoking
2. B. Soak the hands in cold water at the first sign of an attack
3. C. Take a decongestant tablet before going out in cold weather
4. D. Raise the hands above the level of the heart during an attack

5. A patient on the first day after surgery has sinus tachycardia at 118 beats/min and a temperature of 38.6 °C. What is the most appropriate nursing approach?

1. A. Give atropine to bring the heart rate down
2. B. Perform carotid sinus massage to slow the rate
3. C. Prepare for immediate defibrillation of the rhythm
4. D. Assess and treat the cause, such as fever, pain or hypovolaemia