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. Pulmonary edema causes fluid accumulation in the lungs' interstitial spaces, visible on X-ray. Choice B is incorrect as pulmonary edema typically leads to respiratory acidosis, not metabolic alkalosis (Choice B). Choice C is incorrect as bradycardia is not a typical manifestation of acute pulmonary edema. Choice D is incorrect as pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is usually elevated in pulmonary edema, not decreased. Thus, the most appropriate test to confirm acute pulmonary edema is a chest X-ray showing interstitial edema.
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%. Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme released when there is damage to muscle tissue, including the heart muscle. The MB fraction of CK is specific to cardiac muscle, so an elevated CK with a high MB fraction indicates myocardial damage, confirming a myocardial infarction (MI). Options A, B, and D do not specifically indicate myocardial damage. Potassium levels are not typically indicative of an MI. CK of 545 with MB of 4% is lower than the correct choice, and WBC count is not a specific indicator of an MI.
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 the characteristic plaques formed in the arteries during the final stage of atherosclerosis. These plaques consist of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances. Choice B is not specific to the final stage of atherosclerosis but rather a general characteristic of the condition. Choice C, lipoprotein accumulation in the intima, is a contributing factor to atherosclerosis but not specific to the final stage. Choice D, inflammation of the arterial wall, is a feature seen throughout the progression of atherosclerosis, not just in the final stage. Thus, the presence of atheromas best represents the final stage of atherosclerosis.
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. Coarctation of the aorta can lead to decreased blood flow to the lower extremities, causing symptoms like leg pain and weakness. The health nurse should question the child about this as it could be indicative of reduced blood flow from the aorta. Blurred vision (B) is not typically associated with coarctation of the aorta. Increased respiratory rate (C) is more commonly seen in conditions affecting the lungs or airways, not specifically related to coarctation of the aorta. Bruises on shins (D) are not directly related to the symptoms of coarctation of the aorta and do not provide relevant information in this context.
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 it accurately describes an ST segment myocardial infarction as a rather large heart attack that causes death of the heart muscle through all three layers. This response provides a clear and concise explanation of the severity of the condition. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on the ECG changes rather than the extent of the heart attack itself. Choice B is incorrect as it inaccurately describes a smaller MI that only affects part of the heart wall. Choice D is incorrect as it states the cardiac markers are not elevated, which is not typically seen in a severe heart attack.