ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 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 5 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.