ATI LPN
Cardiovascular Questions and Answers PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
A laboratory test that should be routinely monitored in patients receiving digitalis therapy is
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Digitalis slows the heart rate through parasympathetic system activation and promotes sodium and water excretion through improved cardiac output to the kidney. Depletion of serum potassium (hypokalemia) may potentiate digitalis toxicity. Sodium and water excretion is activated through the parasympathetic system due to improved cardiac output to the kidneys. Albumin level is not affected by digitalis. Digitalis allows more calcium to remain in the cell through a slowing of the sodium-dependent calcium pump.
Question 2 of 5
A patient diagnosed with hypertension has been prescribed captopril. Which information is most important to teach the patient about this drug?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE) inhibitors frequently cause orthostatic hypotension, and patients should be taught to change position slowly to allow the vascular system time to compensate for the position change. Increasing fluid intake may counteract the effect of the medication, and the patient is taught to use gum or hard candy to relieve dry mouth. The BP should be taken in the nondominant arm by newly diagnosed patients in the morning, before taking the medication, and in the evening. Because ACE inhibitors cause potassium retention, increased intake of high-potassium foods is inappropriate.
Question 3 of 5
The heart wall
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The myocardium is the thick middle layer of cardiac muscle responsible for the heart's pumping action.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with hypertension who has just started taking atenolol(Tenormin) returns to the health clinic after 2 weeks for a follow-up visit. The blood pressure(BP) is unchanged from the previous visit. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Because noncompliance with antihypertensive therapy is common, the nurse's initial action should be to determine whether the patient is taking the atenolol as prescribed. The other actions also may be implemented, but these would be done after assessing patient compliance with the prescribed therapy.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is providing care for a patient with a diagnosis of hypertension. The nurse should consequently assess the patient for signs and symptoms of which other health problem?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypertension is both a sign and a risk factor for atherosclerotic heart disease. It is not associated with structural cardiac defects, low platelet levels, or migraines.