ATI RN
ATI Nur 221 Med Surg Exam Cardiac Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is assessing the client diagnosed with COPD. Which of the following would require immediate attention by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Oxygen flowmeter set on 8 LPM is correct. High-flow oxygen can suppress the hypoxic drive in COPD clients, leading to respiratory depression. The nurse should immediately lower the oxygen to a safer level (typically 1-3 LPM) and monitor the client's respiratory status. Use of accessory muscles, thick white sputum, and barrel chest with clubbing are common in COPD but do not require immediate intervention compared to high oxygen flow.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has valvular heart disease and is at risk for developing left-sided heart failure. Which of the following manifestations should alert the nurse the client is developing this condition?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is correct. Left-sided heart failure causes pulmonary congestion, leading to dyspnea and orthopnea. Weight gain and anorexia are more associated with right-sided heart failure, and pulmonary embolism is a separate condition.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a client who has quadriplegia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent a pulmonary embolism (PE)? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: Applying elastic compression stockings (
B), performing passive range of motion exercises (
C), and assessing legs for redness (
D) are correct. These actions promote venous return, prevent stasis, and allow early detection of DVT, reducing PE risk. Massaging calves (
A) can dislodge clots, and pillows under knees (E) impair circulation, increasing clot risk.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse in a provider's clinic is assessing a client who takes sublingual nitroglycerin for stable angina. The client reports getting a headache each time he takes the medication. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Try taking a mild analgesic to relieve the headache.' is correct. Nitroglycerin-induced headaches are a common side effect due to vasodilation. Mild analgesics such as acetaminophen can help alleviate the discomfort. Taking only one dose to reduce the risk of a headache is inappropriate. The client should follow the prescribed dosing regimen to manage angina effectively. Skipping doses may increase the risk of angina attacks. Requesting a different medication is not necessary. Nitroglycerin is an effective treatment for stable angina, and headaches typically diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication. Stating that nothing can be done to relieve the headaches is incorrect. Headaches from nitroglycerin can be managed with mild analgesics or by adjusting the timing of medication administration.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is collecting a medication history from a client who is scheduled to have a cardiac catheterization. Which of the following medications taken by the client interacts with contrast material and places the client at risk for acute kidney injury?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin is correct. The combination of iodinated contrast dye and metformin increases the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy and lactic acidosis, especially in clients with kidney dysfunction. Nitroglycerin, atorvastatin, and carvedilol do not interact significantly with contrast dye.