ATI RN
Med Surg Cardiovascular Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client experiences acute myocardial ischemia. The nurse administers oxygen and sublingual nitroglycerin. When assessing an electrocardiogram (ECG) for evidence that blood flow to the myocardium has improved, the nurse should focus on the:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Return of the ST segment to baseline. This change indicates reperfusion of the myocardium, restoring blood flow and reducing ischemia. Widening of the QRS complex (A) suggests conduction abnormalities, not improved blood flow. Frequency of ectopic beats (B) can be a sign of ongoing myocardial damage. Presence of a significant Q wave (D) indicates a prior myocardial infarction, not immediate improvement in blood flow. Therefore, focusing on the return of the ST segment to baseline is crucial for assessing myocardial reperfusion.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who had a permanent pacemaker inserted because of a complete heart block. The nurse determines that which of the following client outcomes indicates a successful procedure?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a successful permanent pacemaker insertion for complete heart block should result in the client's ECG monitor showing paced beats at the appropriate rate. In complete heart block, the electrical signals from the atria do not reach the ventricles, leading to a slow heart rate. The pacemaker is designed to stimulate the ventricles to contract at a set rate, ensuring an adequate heart rate. Choices A, B, and C do not specifically address the key outcome of a successful permanent pacemaker insertion, which is to establish an appropriate heart rate through pacing. Therefore, they are incorrect.
Question 3 of 5
In coordinating care for a client with venous stasis ulcers, the nurse explains to unlicensed assistive personnel that which of the following is the most important intervention in ulcer healing?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Elevation of the extremities promotes venous return, reducing swelling and improving blood flow to aid in ulcer healing. This intervention is crucial in managing venous stasis ulcers. Surgical debridement (A) may be necessary in some cases, but it is not the most important intervention. Meticulous cleaning (B) is important for wound care but not the most crucial for healing. Leg exercises (C) can help improve circulation but do not directly address venous stasis as effectively as elevation.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is admitted to your telemetry unit with chest pain that has been increasing in intensity and duration. The critical care nurse can identify that this type of angina is called
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Unstable angina. This type of angina is characterized by chest pain that is increasing in intensity and duration, indicating a higher risk of a heart attack. Unstable angina is considered a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. A: Stable angina refers to chest pain that occurs with exertion and resolves with rest. B: Variant angina, also known as Prinzmetal's angina, is caused by coronary artery spasm and often occurs at rest. C: Predictable angina refers to chest pain that occurs predictably with certain activities or triggers and is relieved with rest or medication. In summary, D is the correct answer because the patient's symptoms of increasing chest pain intensity and duration suggest unstable angina, which requires urgent medical intervention.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is measuring a waveform of the ECG strip and determines it is normally around 06 to 1 the waveform s/he is measuring is the
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: P wave. The P wave represents atrial depolarization in an ECG waveform, typically lasting around 0.06 to 0.1 seconds. A nurse measuring this waveform within this time range indicates the measurement aligns with the characteristics of a P wave. The PRI (choice B) represents the time from the beginning of the P wave to the beginning of the QRS complex, usually around 0.12 to 0.2 seconds. The QRS complex (choice C) represents ventricular depolarization, typically lasting around 0.06 to 0.1 seconds. The QT interval (choice D) represents the time from the start of the Q wave to the end of the T wave, which varies but is generally around 0.36 to 0.44 seconds. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not match the description provided in the question.