ATI RN
Med Surg Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A child returns to his room after a cardiac catheterization. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maintain the child on bed rest with the affected extremity immobilized. After a cardiac catheterization, it is crucial to keep the affected extremity immobilized to prevent bleeding or complications at the catheter site. Bed rest helps reduce the risk of bleeding and ensures the child's safety. Choices A, C, and D involve allowing the child to move or sit up, which can increase the risk of bleeding. Choice A does not specify immobilizing the extremity, which is essential post-catheterization. Choice C involves unnecessary movement, and choice D allows sitting, which may also increase the risk of bleeding.
Question 2 of 5
When assessing a client with peripheral arterial disease, the nurse assesses the client for which of the following signs and symptoms that would be consistent with tissue ischemia?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Leg pain while walking. This symptom, known as intermittent claudication, is characteristic of tissue ischemia due to inadequate blood flow in peripheral arterial disease. It occurs during physical activity when the muscles' oxygen demand exceeds the compromised blood supply. Peripheral edema (A) is not typically associated with tissue ischemia but rather with venous insufficiency. Widened pulse pressure (B) is a sign of conditions like aortic regurgitation, not specifically peripheral arterial disease. Brownish discoloration to the skin on the leg (D) may be a late sign of tissue damage but is not an early indicator of tissue ischemia in peripheral arterial disease.
Question 3 of 5
A toddler with Kawasaki's disease is going home on salicylate (aspirin) therapy. Which is the priority teaching at the time of discharge?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Monitoring the child for gastrointestinal bleeding is the priority because aspirin therapy in Kawasaki's disease can increase the risk of bleeding due to its effects on platelet function. It is crucial to assess for signs of bleeding such as black/tarry stools, vomiting blood, or abdominal pain. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: B: Avoiding contact with other children is not directly related to the potential side effects of aspirin therapy in Kawasaki's disease. C: Reporting complaints of tingling extremities is important but not as urgent as monitoring for gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be life-threatening. D: Maintaining a low-calorie diet is not the priority teaching at the time of discharge for a toddler with Kawasaki's disease on aspirin therapy.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing the laboratory values for a patient with chronic heart failure before administering furosemide. Which of the following values would cause the nurse to withhold this drug and notify the primary care provider?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium depletion. A low potassium level (hypokalemia) can increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, especially in patients with chronic heart failure. Therefore, if the patient's potassium level is already low, administering furosemide can further decrease it and potentially lead to serious complications. Choice B: Digoxin level of 0.7 ng/mL is not directly related to the administration of furosemide. While digoxin toxicity can occur with low potassium levels, the focus here is on the impact of furosemide on potassium levels. Choice C: Calcium level of 5 mg/dL is not a direct contraindication for administering furosemide. Low calcium levels can affect cardiac function, but in this case, potassium level is more crucial. Choice D: Magnesium level of
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is preparing drugs for a cardiac arrest victim. Which of the following drug is used in almost all cardiac arrest scenarios?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Epinephrine. In cardiac arrest scenarios, epinephrine is essential for its vasoconstrictive and inotropic effects, helping to increase blood flow and perfusion to vital organs. Atropine is used for bradycardia, adenosine for supraventricular tachycardia, and sodium bicarbonate for metabolic acidosis. Epinephrine is the drug of choice in almost all cardiac arrest situations due to its crucial role in improving the chances of successful resuscitation.