ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A key diagnostic test for heart failure is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: B-type natriuretic peptide. BNP is a hormone secreted by the heart in response to increased pressure and volume overload, which are hallmark features of heart failure. Elevated BNP levels indicate heart failure. Serum potassium (A) is not specific to heart failure. Troponin I (C) and cardiac enzymes (D) are markers of cardiac injury, not heart failure. BNP is the most specific and sensitive diagnostic test for heart failure.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a child with a cyanotic heart defect. Which signs should the nurse expect to observe?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cyanosis, hypertension, clubbing, and lethargy. In a child with a cyanotic heart defect, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes) is expected due to decreased oxygen levels. Hypertension may occur as a compensatory mechanism to maintain perfusion. Clubbing can develop due to chronic hypoxia. Lethargy is common due to inadequate oxygenation. Choice B is incorrect because hypotension is less likely in this scenario. Crouching is not a typical sign of a cyanotic heart defect. Choice C is incorrect because irritability is less likely compared to lethargy in this situation. Crouching is not a common sign of a cyanotic heart defect. Choice D is incorrect because confusion and clonus are not typical signs of a cyanotic heart defect in children. Crouching is also not a common sign in this context.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of renal failure and a new myocardial infarction. The nurse who is reviewing laboratory findings would call the doctor to report which of the following results?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Calcium level of 7.0 mg/dL Rationale: 1. In a client with renal failure and myocardial infarction, monitoring calcium levels is crucial due to potential electrolyte imbalances. 2. A calcium level of 7.0 mg/dL is abnormally low (normal range is 8.5-10.5 mg/dL), indicating hypocalcemia which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. 3. Low calcium levels can worsen heart function and increase the risk of complications in a client with a recent myocardial infarction. 4. Calling the doctor to report this critical result is essential for prompt intervention to prevent adverse cardiac events. Summary of Other Choices: A: Potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L - Within normal range, not urgent in this scenario. B: Sodium level of 145 mEq/L - Within normal range, not a priority in this context. D: Digoxin/d
Question 4 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 5 of 5
A newly admitted patient, diagnosed with a myocardial infarction and left ventricular heart failure might exhibit which of the following physical symptoms? Choose all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Jugular vein distention. In patients with left ventricular heart failure, increased pressure in the heart can lead to jugular vein distention due to backflow of blood. This is a common physical symptom seen in such patients. Incorrect choices: - B: Hepatomegaly is not a typical physical symptom of left ventricular heart failure. It may be seen in conditions like liver cirrhosis. - C: Dyspnea is a common symptom in heart failure but is not specific to left ventricular heart failure. - D: Crackles are indicative of fluid accumulation in the lungs, which is more common in right-sided heart failure rather than left ventricular heart failure.