Cardiac-Vascular Nursing Exam Sample QuestionsThe following sample questions are similar to those on the examination but do not represent the full range of content or levels of difficulty. The answers to the sample questions are provided after the last question. Please note: Taking these or any sample question(s) is not a requirement to sit for an actual certification examination. Completion of these or any other sample question(s) does not imply eligibility for certification or successful performance on any certification examination. Show
To respond to the sample questions, first enter your first and last names in the boxes below (this information will not be recorded; it is strictly for purposes of identifying your results). Then click the button corresponding to the best answer for each question. When you are finished, click the "Evaluate" button at the bottom of the page. A new browser window will open, displaying your results, which you may print, if you wish. This practice exam is not timed, and you may take it as many times as you wish. Good luck! What is cardiac catheterization?In cardiac catheterization (often called cardiac cath), your doctor puts a very small, flexible, hollow tube (called a catheter) into a blood vessel in the groin, arm, or neck. Then he or she threads it through the blood vessel into the aorta and into the heart. Once the catheter is in place, several tests may be done. Your doctor can place the tip of the catheter into various parts of the heart to measure the pressures within the heart chambers or take blood samples to measure oxygen levels. Your doctor can guide the catheter into the coronary arteries and inject contrast dye to check blood flow through them. (The coronary arteries are the vessels that carry blood to the heart muscle.) This is called coronary angiography. These are some of the other procedures that may be done during or after a cardiac cath:
During the test, you will be awake, but a small amount of sedating medicine will be given before starting to help you be comfortable during the procedure. Why might I need cardiac catheterization?Your doctor may use cardiac cath to help diagnosis these heart conditions:
You may have a cardiac cath if you have recently had one or more of these symptoms:
If a screening exam, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or stress test suggests there may be a heart condition that needs to be explored further, your doctor may order a cardiac cath. Another reason for a cath procedure is to evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle if chest pain occurs after the following:
There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend a cardiac cath. What are the risks of cardiac catheterization?Possible risks associated with cardiac cath include:
More serious, but rare complications include:
If you are pregnant or think you could be, tell your doctor due to risk of injury to the fetus from a cardiac cath. Radiation exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects. Also be sure to tell your doctor if you are lactating, or breastfeeding. There is a risk for allergic reaction to the dye used during the cardiac cath. If you are allergic to or sensitive to medicines, contrast dye, iodine, or latex, tell your doctor. Also, tell your doctor if you have kidney failure or other kidney problems. For some people, having to lie still on the cardiac cath table for the length of the procedure may cause some discomfort or pain. There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor before the procedure. How do I prepare for cardiac catheterization?
What happens during a cardiac catheterization?A cardiac cath can be done on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your doctor's practices. Generally, a cardiac cath follows this process:
What happens after cardiac catheterization?In the hospital After the cardiac cath, you may be taken to a recovery room or returned to your hospital room. You will stay flat in bed for several hours. A nurse will monitor your vital signs, the insertion site, and circulation/sensation in the affected leg or arm. Let your nurse know right away if you feel any chest pain or tightness, or any other pain, as well as any feelings of warmth, bleeding, or pain at the insertion site. Bedrest may vary from 4 to 12 hours. If your doctor placed a closure device, your bedrest may be shorter. In some cases, the sheath or introducer may be left in the insertion site. If so, you will be on bedrest until your doctor removes the sheath. After the sheath is removed, you may be given a light meal. You may feel the urge to urinate often because of the effects of the contrast dye and increased fluids. You will need to use a bedpan or urinal while on bedrest so you don't bend the affected leg or arm. After the period of bed rest, you may get out of bed. The nurse will help you the first time you get up, and may check your blood pressure while you are lying in bed, sitting, and standing. You should move slowly when getting up from the bed to avoid any dizziness from the long period of bedrest. You may be given pain medicine for pain or discomfort related to the insertion site or having to lie flat and still for a prolonged period. Drink plenty of water and other fluids to help flush the contrast dye from your body. You may go back to your usual diet after the procedure, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. After the recovery period, you may be discharged home unless your doctor decides otherwise. In many cases, you may spend the night in the hospital for careful observation. If the cardiac cath was done on an outpatient basis and a sedative was used, you must have another person drive you home. At home Once at home, you should check the insertion site for bleeding, unusual pain, swelling, and abnormal discoloration or temperature change. A small bruise is normal. If you notice a constant or large amount of blood at the site that cannot be contained with a small dressing, contact your doctor. If your doctor used a closure device at your insertion site, you will be given instructions on how to take care of the site. There may be a small knot, or lump, under the skin at the site. This is normal. The knot should go away over a few weeks. It will be important to keep the insertion site clean and dry. Your doctor will give you specific bathing instructions. Your doctor may advise you not to participate in any strenuous activities for a few days after the procedure. He or she will tell you when it's OK to return to work and resume normal activities. Contact your doctor if you have any of the following:
Your doctor may give you other instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation. Next stepsBefore you agree to the test or the procedure make sure you know:
Which nursing assessment is most important immediately following cardiac catheterization?The most important nursing action following cardiac catheterization is assessing the groin for bleeding and the leg for color, warmth (circulation) and pulse. Postcatheterization care involves monitoring vital signs every 15 minutes for an hour, then every 30 minutes for an hour or until stable.
Which assessments should a nurse perform when caring for a client following a cardiac catheterization?Arrhythmia. Assess patient's ECG rhythm on the cardiac monitor. ... . If an arrhythmia is present clarify if this is a new arrhythmia for the patient. ... . Assess patient's cardiac output- BP, peripheral perfusion, color and alertness. ... . must seek urgent medical assistance.. Print rhythm strip or complete an ECG if patient is stable.. What are the priority actions the nurse would take with a child who is in heart failure?Nursing Priorities
Reduce fluid volume overload. Prevent complications. Provide information about disease/prognosis, therapy needs, and prevention of recurrences.
Which clinical manifestations result from pulmonary congestion in children?Signs of congestive heart failure vary with the age of the child. Signs of pulmonary venous congestion in an infant generally include tachypnea, respiratory distress (retractions), grunting, and difficulty with feeding.
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