ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client undergoes ligation of varicose veins. The nurse includes in the plan of care which of the following important interventions for the nursing diagnosis of ineffective tissue perfusion?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale for Choice B (Correct Answer): Flexing lower extremities four times a day helps promote circulation and prevent blood stasis, aiding in tissue perfusion after vein ligation. Rationale for why other choices are incorrect: A: Removing compression stockings can hinder venous return and worsen tissue perfusion. C: Numbness is not a normal finding post-vein ligation and should be promptly reported. D: Briskly scrubbing lower extremities can damage the skin and impair circulation, worsening tissue perfusion.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is admitted with severe uncompensated pulmonary edema secondary to chronic heart failure. After diagnostic testing, it is found that the left coronary artery is blocked, which has led to his pulmonary edema. Which of the following signs and symptoms is consistent with this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Elevated pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) or PAOP. In this scenario, the left coronary artery blockage has led to decreased cardiac function, causing increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation leading to pulmonary edema. PAWP reflects left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, which is elevated in conditions like heart failure. Elevated central venous pressure (A) may be seen in heart failure but is not specific to this diagnosis. Elevated blood pressure (B) is not typically associated with uncompensated heart failure. Increased oxygen saturation (D) is not consistent with the diagnosis, as pulmonary edema often leads to decreased oxygen saturation due to impaired gas exchange.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is being taught how to care for his pacemaker site by the critical care nurse. Which of the following indicates that this patient understands safe care of the device?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Handling pacemaker leads and a toaster simultaneously can lead to interference with the device, so the patient understands the importance of avoiding this. 2. This answer demonstrates awareness of potential risks and shows the patient's commitment to safety. 3. Options B, C, and D do not directly address safe care of the pacemaker site or demonstrate understanding of potential risks. 4. Option B focuses on obtaining a medic alert tag but does not address specific care instructions for the pacemaker site. 5. Option C assumes that the OR environment guarantees no risk of infection, which is incorrect. 6. Option D's reference to avoiding a home microwave is not necessary for pacemaker care unless the microwave is very old and poorly shielded.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is giving the client digoxin for heart failure and recognizes that the drug has what type of effect on the heart?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Positive inotropic, negative chronotropic effect. Digoxin is a positive inotrope, meaning it increases the force of heart contractions, improving cardiac output in heart failure. It also has a negative chronotropic effect by slowing the heart rate, which can be beneficial in certain heart conditions. Option A is incorrect because digoxin has a positive inotropic effect. Option C is incorrect as it contradicts itself by stating both negative and positive inotropic effects. Option D is incorrect because digoxin does not have a positive chronotropic effect; it actually slows the heart rate.
Question 5 of 5
The client has a condition for which a beta agonist has been ordered. What condition might this be?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Supraventricular tachycardia. Beta agonists, like adenosine or beta-blockers, are commonly used to treat supraventricular tachycardia by slowing down the heart rate. This condition involves rapid heartbeats originating above the ventricles. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because beta agonists are not typically indicated for shock, hypertension, or cardiac arrhythmias, respectively. In hypertensive emergencies, other antihypertensive medications are preferred. In shock, fluid resuscitation and vasopressors are usually used. For cardiac arrhythmias, antiarrhythmic drugs or cardioversion are more appropriate treatments.