Question 1: A nurse is providing education to a patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Which of the following statements made by the patient indicates the need for further teaching?
A) “I will walk until I experience pain, then rest, and continue walking once the pain subsides.”
B) “...
Question 1: A nurse is providing education to a patient with peripheral artery disease
(PAD). Which of the following statements made by the patient indicates the need for
further teaching?
A) “I will walk until I experience pain, then rest, and continue walking once the pain subsides.”
B) “I need to avoid using heating pads on my legs to improve circulation.”
C) “I will elevate my legs above the level of my heart to reduce swelling.”
D) “I will stop smoking to improve my circulation.”
Answer: C
Rationale: Patients with PAD should avoid elevating the legs above the level of the heart as it
can reduce arterial blood flow to the extremities. Elevating legs is recommended for venous
conditions, not arterial insufficiency. The other options correctly indicate management of PAD.
NCLEX Preference: Patient education regarding lifestyle modifications and proper
management of PAD is a key concept tested in the NCLEX exam.
Question 2: The nurse is assessing a patient with chronic venous insufficiency. Which of the
following findings would the nurse expect?
A) Cool, pale skin
B) Brown discoloration of the skin on the lower legs
C) Thickened toenails
D) Decreased pedal pulses
Answer: B
Rationale: Chronic venous insufficiency often leads to stasis dermatitis, which causes brownish
skin discoloration on the lower legs. Cool, pale skin and decreased pulses are more associated
with arterial insufficiency, and thickened toenails are more related to fungal infections or chronic
arterial insufficiency.
NCLEX Preference: Recognizing symptoms and appropriate management for venous versus
arterial conditions is emphasized in the NCLEX.
,Question 3: A patient with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is started on heparin therapy.
Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to determine the
therapeutic effectiveness of the medication?
A) Prothrombin time (PT)
B) Hemoglobin
C) International normalized ratio (INR)
D) Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
Answer: D
Rationale: Heparin's effectiveness is monitored by the activated partial thromboplastin time
(aPTT). APTT is prolonged when heparin is at therapeutic levels. PT and INR are used to
monitor warfarin therapy. Hemoglobin is not used to monitor anticoagulation.
NCLEX Preference: Monitoring lab values for patients on anticoagulation therapy is a frequent
test item, particularly distinguishing between PT/INR (warfarin) and aPTT (heparin).
Question 4: The nurse is caring for a patient who underwent an abdominal aortic
aneurysm (AAA) repair. The nurse should monitor for which of the following
complications in the immediate postoperative period?
A) Increased urine output
B) Hypotension and tachycardia
C) Warm, flushed skin
D) Hyperactive bowel sounds
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypotension and tachycardia could indicate bleeding or shock, which are common
complications after AAA repair. The other options are not typically seen in the immediate
postoperative period of AAA surgery.
NCLEX Preference: The NCLEX frequently tests knowledge of post-surgical complications,
including recognition and management of hemorrhage and shock.
Question 5: A nurse is teaching a patient with newly diagnosed Raynaud’s disease. Which
of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A) “It is important to avoid exposure to cold temperatures.”
, B) “You should walk daily to improve circulation to your feet.”
C) “You should apply heating pads directly to your fingers during an attack.”
D) “Reduce your salt intake to control your symptoms.”
Answer: A
Rationale: Raynaud’s disease involves vasospasm in the fingers and toes, often triggered by cold
temperatures. Avoiding cold exposure is a key preventive measure. Heating pads should be used
with caution to avoid burns. Salt intake does not directly impact Raynaud’s symptoms.
NCLEX Preference: Patient education about managing chronic conditions like Raynaud’s
disease is often tested, focusing on avoiding triggers and appropriate interventions.
Question 6: The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a patient after surgical bypass
for peripheral artery disease (PAD). Which of the following instructions is most important
to prevent complications?
A) “You should wear compression stockings daily.”
B) “Avoid bending your knees excessively for prolonged periods.”
C) “You should increase your fluid intake to 3 liters a day.”
D) “It is essential to perform frequent leg exercises and elevate the legs often.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Bending the knees excessively can impede blood flow and cause complications such
as clot formation. While leg exercises are important, elevating the legs is not recommended for
PAD as it can reduce arterial flow. Compression stockings are not typically recommended for
PAD unless there is venous insufficiency.
NCLEX Preference: Post-surgical care, especially patient education regarding prevention of
vascular complications, is highly tested.
Question 7: A patient is diagnosed with an acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the
following interventions should the nurse implement first?
A) Encourage ambulation to promote circulation
B) Apply warm compresses to the affected area
C) Elevate the affected extremity above heart level
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