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 initial action is to notify the physician (Choice C) about the sudden onset of leg pain, pallor, tingling, and loss of pulses, as these symptoms suggest acute arterial occlusion, a medical emergency. The physician needs to be informed immediately to assess the situation and determine the appropriate intervention, such as urgent revascularization. Elevating the leg (Choice A) may worsen the condition by reducing blood flow further. Wrapping the leg in a blanket (Choice B) is not recommended as it does not address the underlying arterial occlusion. Passive ROM exercises (Choice D) are contraindicated in this situation as they can potentially dislodge blood clots and exacerbate the blockage.
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 nurse is describing the T wave. The T wave is upright, rounded, and symmetrical, occurring after the QRS complex on an ECG. The P wave represents atrial depolarization, the QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization, and the ST segment represents the period between ventricular depolarization and repolarization. Therefore, the T wave is the only waveform that fits the given description.
Question 3 of 5
Which parameter is elevated in right- sided heart failure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: CVP. In right-sided heart failure, the right side of the heart is unable to effectively pump blood to the lungs, leading to increased pressure in the venous system. Central venous pressure (CVP) measures the pressure in the vena cava near the right atrium, reflecting the pressure in the right side of the heart. Elevated CVP is a key indicator of right-sided heart failure. Left-ventricular end-diastolic pressure (B) and pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) (C) are more indicative of left-sided heart failure, not right-sided. Cardiac output (D) may decrease in heart failure, but it is not specific to right-sided heart failure.
Question 4 of 5
The client has a myocardial infarction and going into shock. What might be a medication to give to counteract shock in cases of myocardial infarction?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dopamine. Dopamine is a vasopressor that helps increase blood pressure and cardiac output, which can counteract shock in cases of myocardial infarction. It improves blood flow to vital organs. Atropine (A) is used for bradycardia, not shock. Digoxin (C) and Adenosine (D) are not indicated for treating shock in myocardial infarction as they have different mechanisms of action.
Question 5 of 5
The client is being given a beta blocker. What must the nurse do prior to giving the drug?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Check the apical pulse for one minute. Before administering a beta blocker, it is essential to assess the client's heart rate because beta blockers can slow down the heart rate. Checking the apical pulse for one minute allows the nurse to establish a baseline heart rate and determine if the client's heart rate is within the safe parameters for administering the medication. This step ensures the client's safety and helps monitor for any potential adverse effects related to bradycardia. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not directly related to the specific action required prior to administering a beta blocker.