A patient recently had a cardiac catheterization via right-radial approach and now has a compression device in place. The patient reports numbness and pain in the right hand. The cardiac-vascular nurse notes a diminished pulse, with a cool and cyanotic hand. The nurse:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Numbness, pain, weak pulse, and cyanosis post-radial catheterization suggest vascular compromise (e.g., occlusion or hematoma), requiring urgent physician notification. B assesses pre-procedure, C risks bleeding, and D delays action.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The heart has three layers: endocardium (inner), myocardium (middle), and epicardium (outer). The epicardium is the outermost layer of the heart wall itself, while the pericardium is a separate sac surrounding the heart. 'Supracardium' is not a real term.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Small arteries and arterioles are the primary resistive vessels because their narrow lumens and muscular walls (tunica media) allow them to regulate blood flow and peripheral resistance through vasoconstriction and vasodilation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: At the arteriolar end, high hydrostatic pressure pushes oxygen and nutrients out; at the venular end, lower pressure allows wastes to enter via diffusion and osmosis. Capillary density correlates positively with metabolism, and arrangements vary by tissue.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The S₂ heart sound ('dub') is produced by the closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves. A murmur at S₂ suggests impairment of one of these, most likely the aortic valve, as it’s more commonly affected in adults (e.g., stenosis). Tricuspid and mitral (bicuspid) closure produces S₁. (Source: Document, p. 62, Valve sounds)