NCLEX-PN
Peripheral Vascular Disease NCLEX Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The client diagnosed with atherosclerosis asks the nurse, 'I have heard of atherosclerosis for many years but I never really knew what it meant. Am I going to die?' Which statement would be the nurse’s best response?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Atherosclerosis is plaque buildup in arteries (
D), a clear and accurate response. It’s not always fatal (
A), doesn’t primarily affect brain (
B), and isn’t the sole cause of hypertension (
C).
Question 2 of 5
The client is admitted for surgical repair of an 8-cm abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Which sign/symptom would make the nurse suspect the client has an expanding AAA?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Low back pain (
A) suggests AAA expansion or rupture, a critical sign. Radial pulses (
B) are unaffected, low urine (
C) is a late sign, and girth (
D) is less specific.
Question 3 of 5
Which diagnostic test would the nurse expect to be ordered for a client suspected of having an arterial disorder?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a non-invasive test that compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm to diagnose peripheral artery disease.
Question 4 of 5
Which client problem would be priority in a client diagnosed with arterial occlusive disease who is admitted to the hospital with a foot ulcer?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A foot ulcer in PAD indicates impaired skin integrity (
A), the priority due to infection risk. Activity intolerance (
B), health maintenance (
C), and neuropathy (
D) are secondary.
Question 5 of 5
The client asks the nurse, 'My doctor just told me that atherosclerosis is why my legs hurt when I walk. What does that mean?' Which response by the nurse would be the best response?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Atherosclerosis causes arterial hardening, reducing leg oxygen (
D), a clear explanation for claudication. Thickening (
A) is technical, deferring (
B) avoids teaching, and venous valves (
C) are unrelated.