ATI RN
Med Surg Cardiovascular Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse administers heparin to a client with deep vein thrombophlebitis. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of heparin?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time). PTT measures the effectiveness of heparin therapy by assessing the clotting time. Monitoring PTT helps ensure the therapeutic range of heparin is maintained to prevent clot formation. Incorrect Choices: B: HCT (Hematocrit) - measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood, not specific to heparin monitoring. C: CBC (Complete Blood Count) - provides overall information about blood cells, not specific to heparin monitoring. D: PT (Prothrombin Time) - used to monitor Warfarin therapy, not heparin.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for an infant with tetralogy of Fallot. Which drug should the nurse anticipate administering during a tet spell?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: During a tet spell in tetralogy of Fallot, there is a sudden decrease in pulmonary blood flow, leading to cyanosis and hypoxia. Meperidine (Demerol) is the drug of choice due to its rapid onset and ability to increase systemic vascular resistance, improving blood flow to the lungs. Propranolol (A) may worsen the cyanosis by decreasing pulmonary blood flow. Morphine (B) and Furosemide (D) do not address the underlying problem of decreased pulmonary blood flow and are not indicated during a tet spell.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who had a permanent pacemaker inserted because of a complete heart block. The nurse determines that which of the following client outcomes indicates a successful procedure?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a successful permanent pacemaker insertion for complete heart block should result in the client's ECG monitor showing paced beats at the appropriate rate. In complete heart block, the electrical signals from the atria do not reach the ventricles, leading to a slow heart rate. The pacemaker is designed to stimulate the ventricles to contract at a set rate, ensuring an adequate heart rate. Choices A, B, and C do not specifically address the key outcome of a successful permanent pacemaker insertion, which is to establish an appropriate heart rate through pacing. Therefore, they are incorrect.
Question 4 of 5
In coordinating care for a client with venous stasis ulcers, the nurse explains to unlicensed assistive personnel that which of the following is the most important intervention in ulcer healing?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Elevation of the extremities promotes venous return, reducing swelling and improving blood flow to aid in ulcer healing. This intervention is crucial in managing venous stasis ulcers. Surgical debridement (A) may be necessary in some cases, but it is not the most important intervention. Meticulous cleaning (B) is important for wound care but not the most crucial for healing. Leg exercises (C) can help improve circulation but do not directly address venous stasis as effectively as elevation.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is admitted to your telemetry unit with chest pain that has been increasing in intensity and duration. The critical care nurse can identify that this type of angina is called
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Unstable angina. This type of angina is characterized by chest pain that is increasing in intensity and duration, indicating a higher risk of a heart attack. Unstable angina is considered a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. A: Stable angina refers to chest pain that occurs with exertion and resolves with rest. B: Variant angina, also known as Prinzmetal's angina, is caused by coronary artery spasm and often occurs at rest. C: Predictable angina refers to chest pain that occurs predictably with certain activities or triggers and is relieved with rest or medication. In summary, D is the correct answer because the patient's symptoms of increasing chest pain intensity and duration suggest unstable angina, which requires urgent medical intervention.