ATI RN
ATI RN Custom Cardiovascular Med Surg Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which data indicates to the nurse that the patient with stable angina is experiencing a side effect of metoprolol?
Correct Answer: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that can lower blood pressure, so a blood pressure of 90/54 mm Hg could indicate a side effect of this medication. Feeling anxious, normal sinus rhythm, and restlessness/agitation are not typical side effects of metoprolol.
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Question 2 of 5
In preparation for discharge, the nurse teaches a patient with chronic stable angina how to use the prescribed short-acting and long-acting nitrates. Which patient statement indicates that the teaching has been effective?
Correct Answer: Sitting down before taking nitroglycerin can prevent dizziness and fainting, which are potential side effects of nitroglycerin. Checking pulse rate is not necessary, removing the patch is not required, and the patch is not used for acute chest pain.
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Question 3 of 5
Which action by the nurse will determine if therapies ordered for a patient with chronic constrictive pericarditis are effective?
Correct Answer: Jugular venous distention (JVD) is a common sign of chronic constrictive pericarditis. If JVD is not present, it may indicate that the therapies are effective. ST segment changes, sedimentation rate, and paradoxical pulse are not specific to this condition.
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Question 4 of 5
After reviewing a patient's history, vital signs, physical assessment, and laboratory data, which information is most important for the nurse to communicate to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: Elevated troponin is a sign of heart damage, which could be caused by a heart attack or other stresses on the heart. This is a critical finding that needs immediate attention. Q waves may indicate a past event, crackles suggest fluid overload, and hyperglycemia is less urgent.
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Question 5 of 5
A patient who has heart failure recently started taking digoxin in addition to furosemide and captopril. Which finding by the home health nurse is a priority to communicate to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is below the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L), indicating hypokalemia, which can cause serious complications, especially with digoxin. Weight increase, liver palpation, and edema are concerning but less urgent.
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