ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with endocarditis develops sudden leg pain with pallor, tingling, and loss of peripheral pulses. The nurse's initial action should be to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Notify the physician about the findings. This is the most appropriate action as the client's symptoms suggest a potential complication like arterial embolism, which requires immediate medical intervention. Elevating the leg (choice A) may worsen circulation, wrapping the leg in a blanket (choice B) could further compromise blood flow, and performing passive ROM exercises (choice D) can be harmful if there is an arterial blockage. Notifying the physician promptly allows for timely assessment and treatment to prevent further complications.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is describing one of the waveforms to a novice critical care nurse. S/he describes this wave as being upright rounded and symmetrical and occurring after the QRS. The nurse is describing the
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: T wave. The T wave is upright, rounded, and symmetrical, occurring after the QRS complex on an ECG. This wave represents ventricular repolarization. The P wave (Choice A) represents atrial depolarization, the QRS complex (Choice B) represents ventricular depolarization, and the ST segment (Choice C) represents the period between ventricular depolarization and repolarization. Therefore, the T wave is the only waveform that fits the description given in the question.
Question 3 of 5
Which parameter is elevated in right- sided heart failure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: CVP (Central Venous Pressure). In right-sided heart failure, the right side of the heart fails to pump effectively, leading to increased pressure in the venous system. CVP reflects the pressure in the vena cava close to the right atrium, thus elevated in right-sided heart failure. B: Left-ventricular end-diastolic pressure is elevated in left-sided heart failure. C: PAWP (Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure) is elevated in left-sided heart failure. D: Cardiac output is typically decreased in heart failure, not elevated.
Question 4 of 5
While obtaining patient histories, the nurse identifies that the patient with the highest risk for CAD is
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient is a white woman aged 72 with a high blood pressure of 172/100 and physically inactive. Advanced age, high blood pressure, and physical inactivity are significant risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). Age is a non-modifiable risk factor, and hypertension and lack of physical activity are modifiable but critical factors contributing to CAD. Choice A is incorrect because although the patient is African American, has obesity, and high blood pressure, the age is younger than the patient in choice D. Choice B is incorrect as smoking and stress are risk factors but not as significant as age, high blood pressure, and physical inactivity. Choice C is incorrect since although the patient has high cholesterol and elevated blood pressure, the age and other risk factors are less significant compared to the patient in choice D.
Question 5 of 5
In preparing the patient for insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter, the nurse
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because continuous ECG monitoring is crucial during pulmonary artery catheter insertion to detect any arrhythmias or changes in cardiac status promptly. This ensures the patient's safety and allows for immediate intervention if needed. Obtaining informed consent (choice A) is important but not specific to this procedure. Placing the patient in a high Fowler's position (choice B) may be necessary for comfort but is not directly related to the insertion process. Performing an Allen test (choice D) is not typically required for pulmonary artery catheter insertion.