ATI RN
Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client has developed acute pulmonary edema. Which test result should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Interstitial edema by chest X-ray. Acute pulmonary edema results from fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to interstitial edema visible on chest X-ray. B is incorrect because pulmonary edema typically causes respiratory acidosis, not metabolic alkalosis. C is incorrect as bradycardia is not a typical finding in acute pulmonary edema; tachycardia is more common. D is incorrect because pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is usually elevated in acute pulmonary edema due to increased left ventricular filling pressure.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse has admitted a client to the emergency room with complaints of chest pain over the previous 2 hours. There are no clear changes on the 12-lead. The nurse would expect which laboratory test to provide confirmation of a myocardial infarction (MI)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: CK of 320 with MB of 12%. Creatinine kinase (CK) is an enzyme released into the bloodstream when muscle cells, including heart muscle cells, are damaged. The MB fraction specifically indicates cardiac muscle damage. A CK level of 320 with an MB percentage of 12% is indicative of myocardial infarction (MI). This combination of values provides confirmation of cardiac muscle damage and points towards an MI diagnosis. Choice A: Potassium level is not specific to MI diagnosis. Choice B: CK level of 545 with MB of 4% is lower than the correct answer, which indicates less cardiac muscle damage. Choice D: WBC count is not specific to MI and indicates inflammation or infection rather than cardiac muscle damage.
Question 3 of 5
A client's angiogram demonstrates the final stage of atherosclerosis. The nurse concludes that this client's pathophysiology includes which of the following elements?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The presence of atheromas. Atheromas are plaques that form in the arterial wall due to the accumulation of cholesterol and other substances. In the final stage of atherosclerosis, these atheromas can lead to complete blockages or rupture, causing serious health issues. Choice B (Fatty deposits in the intima) is incorrect because while fatty deposits are a part of atherosclerosis, the final stage involves the formation of atheromas, not just fatty deposits. Choice C (Lipoprotein accumulation in the intima) is incorrect because lipoprotein accumulation is an early stage of atherosclerosis, not the final stage involving atheromas. Choice D (Inflammation of the arterial wall) is incorrect because although inflammation plays a role in atherosclerosis, the final stage is characterized by the presence of atheromas, not just inflammation.
Question 4 of 5
A 6-year-old child has been diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta. Lately, he has been complaining when he comes in from recess. The health nurse should question the child about which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Weakness and pain in legs. In a child with coarctation of the aorta, there is a narrowing of the aorta which can lead to decreased blood flow to the lower extremities. This can result in symptoms such as weakness and pain in the legs, especially during physical activity like recess. By questioning the child about these symptoms, the nurse can assess the severity of the condition and determine the need for further evaluation or intervention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because blurred vision, increased respiratory rate, and bruises on shins are not typically associated with coarctation of the aorta. These symptoms may indicate other health issues but are not directly related to the condition in this case.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is admitted with and ST segment myocardial infarction. The patient's wife overhears the physician talking about this and asks you, the nurse, what the physician means by this type of heart attack. The nurse's BEST response would include
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because an ST segment myocardial infarction signifies a full-thickness heart attack causing death of heart muscle through all three layers. This type of MI is serious and can lead to significant complications. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: A: This answer is incorrect because the permanency of changes on the ECG does not fully explain the severity or extent of the heart attack. B: This answer is incorrect because describing a smaller MI that only affects part of the heart wall does not accurately represent an ST segment myocardial infarction. D: This answer is incorrect because it confuses the absence of elevated cardiac markers with the severity of the heart attack, which is not a reliable indicator of the extent of damage in an ST segment myocardial infarction.