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: inspect his feet weekly. This is important for clients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) to detect any signs of infection or injury early. Choice B is beneficial for improving circulation but not specific to PVD. Choice C, wearing constrictive clothing, can further restrict blood flow and worsen PVD symptoms. Choice D, standing rather than sitting, can increase pressure on the legs and worsen symptoms of PVD. Therefore, regular foot inspections are the most appropriate teaching for a client with PVD.
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: Step 1: The client is taking digoxin, which can cause toxicity if the potassium level is low. Step 2: Low potassium levels can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Step 3: Nausea and anorexia are symptoms of digoxin toxicity. Step 4: Therefore, the nurse should check the potassium level to assess the risk of digoxin toxicity. Step 5: Checking the sodium level (choice B) is not directly related to digoxin toxicity. Step 6: PT/INR (choice C) is used to monitor anticoagulant therapy, not related to digoxin toxicity. Step 7: Checking the digoxin level (choice D) would confirm toxicity, but checking potassium level helps prevent toxicity. Summary: The nurse should check the potassium level as it directly correlates with the risk of digoxin toxicity, whereas the other choices are not directly related to the client's symptoms and medication regimen.
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: The correct answer is C: Leg pain while walking. This symptom, known as intermittent claudication, is characteristic of tissue ischemia due to inadequate blood flow in peripheral arterial disease. It occurs during physical activity when the muscles' oxygen demand exceeds the compromised blood supply. Peripheral edema (A) is not typically associated with tissue ischemia but rather with venous insufficiency. Widened pulse pressure (B) is a sign of conditions like aortic regurgitation, not specifically peripheral arterial disease. Brownish discoloration to the skin on the leg (D) may be a late sign of tissue damage but is not an early indicator of tissue ischemia in peripheral arterial disease.
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. Monitoring the child for gastrointestinal bleeding is the priority because aspirin therapy in Kawasaki's disease can increase the risk of bleeding due to its effects on platelet function. It is crucial to assess for signs of bleeding such as black/tarry stools, vomiting blood, or abdominal pain. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: B: Avoiding contact with other children is not directly related to the potential side effects of aspirin therapy in Kawasaki's disease. C: Reporting complaints of tingling extremities is important but not as urgent as monitoring for gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be life-threatening. D: Maintaining a low-calorie diet is not the priority teaching at the time of discharge for a toddler with Kawasaki's disease on aspirin therapy.
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. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium depletion. A low potassium level (hypokalemia) can increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, especially in patients with chronic heart failure. Therefore, if the patient's potassium level is already low, administering furosemide can further decrease it and potentially lead to serious complications. Choice B: Digoxin level of 0.7 ng/mL is not directly related to the administration of furosemide. While digoxin toxicity can occur with low potassium levels, the focus here is on the impact of furosemide on potassium levels. Choice C: Calcium level of 5 mg/dL is not a direct contraindication for administering furosemide. Low calcium levels can affect cardiac function, but in this case, potassium level is more crucial. Choice D: Magnesium level of