ATI RN
Med Surg Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is performing discharge teaching for a client with PVD. The nurse should teach the client to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because inspecting feet weekly is crucial in PVD to monitor for any signs of infection, ulcers, or poor circulation. This can help prevent complications and promote early intervention. B: While exercise is beneficial, starting a walking program should be done gradually and under supervision to prevent injury. C: Wearing constrictive clothing can exacerbate circulation issues in PVD by restricting blood flow, leading to further complications. D: Standing for prolonged periods can worsen symptoms in PVD as it increases pressure on the legs, promoting blood pooling and discomfort. Sitting with legs elevated is usually recommended instead.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is preparing to discharge a client after CABG surgery. The client is taking several new medications, including digoxin (Lanoxin), metoprolol (Lopressor), and furosemide (Lasix). The client complains of nausea and anorexia. The nurse is preparing to report this finding to the physician before discharging the client. Which laboratory result will the nurse check before calling the physician?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium level. After CABG surgery, the client is taking medications that can affect potassium levels, such as furosemide and digoxin. Nausea and anorexia can be symptoms of hypokalemia, a potential side effect of these medications. Therefore, checking the potassium level is crucial to monitor for any electrolyte imbalances that can lead to adverse effects like cardiac dysrhythmias. Summary of incorrect choices: B: Sodium level - Although important for electrolyte balance, sodium levels are less likely to be affected by the medications mentioned in the scenario and are not typically associated with nausea and anorexia. C: PT/INR - These are coagulation studies and not directly related to the symptoms presented by the client. D: Digoxin level - While monitoring digoxin levels is important for toxicity, the symptoms of nausea and anorexia are more indicative of potential electrolyte imbalances rather than digox
Question 3 of 5
When assessing a client with peripheral arterial disease, the nurse assesses the client for which of the following signs and symptoms that would be consistent with tissue ischemia?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Leg pain while walking. Rationale: Leg pain while walking, known as intermittent claudication, is a classic symptom of tissue ischemia in peripheral arterial disease. This occurs due to inadequate blood flow to the muscles during activity. The pain typically resolves with rest. Other options are incorrect: A) Peripheral edema is more indicative of venous insufficiency. B) Widened pulse pressure may be seen in conditions like aortic regurgitation. D) Brownish discoloration suggests chronic venous insufficiency or possible peripheral arterial disease with advanced tissue damage.
Question 4 of 5
A toddler with Kawasaki's disease is going home on salicylate (aspirin) therapy. Which is the priority teaching at the time of discharge?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor the child for gastrointestinal bleeding. This is a priority teaching because salicylate therapy can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in children with Kawasaki's disease. Teaching parents to watch for signs such as black, tarry stools or vomiting blood is crucial for early detection and intervention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because avoiding contact with other children, reporting tingling extremities, and maintaining a low-calorie diet are not specific priorities related to salicylate therapy for Kawasaki's disease.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing the laboratory values for a patient with chronic heart failure before administering furosemide. Which of the following values would cause the nurse to withhold this drug and notify the primary care provider?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L. In patients with chronic heart failure, furosemide can cause potassium loss leading to hypokalemia, which can worsen cardiac function and lead to arrhythmias. Therefore, a low potassium level warrants withholding furosemide and notifying the primary care provider for appropriate management. Incorrect choices: B: Digoxin level of 0.7 ng/mL - Although digoxin levels should be monitored, a level of 0.7 ng/mL is within the therapeutic range. C: Calcium level of 5 mg/dL - Low calcium levels do not directly contraindicate furosemide use. D: Magnesium level of 1 mg/dL - While magnesium levels should also be monitored, a level of 1 mg/dL is not significantly low to withhold furosemide.