ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is teaching a client with a history of dysrhythmias about changes in diet. Which of the following does the nurse suggest to the client to prevent catecholamine release, which may cause dangerous dysrhythmias?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Drink no more than 6 oz. of beer or wine per day. Catecholamines are released in response to stress or stimulation. Alcohol consumption can lead to catecholamine release, potentially causing dysrhythmias. Limiting alcohol intake can help prevent this. A: Eating a low salt, high fiber diet may be beneficial for overall heart health, but it does not directly address catecholamine release. C: Drinking a lot of water is important for hydration, but it does not specifically prevent catecholamine release. D: Eating a variety of foods according to the food pyramid is generally good for overall health but does not directly address catecholamine release.
Question 2 of 5
Your patient is experiencing thrombophlebitis. Which of the following medications would you expect to administer for this condition?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heparin. Heparin is an anticoagulant that helps prevent blood clot formation, which is crucial in treating thrombophlebitis. It works by inhibiting clotting factors and preventing further clot growth. B: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used for hypertension, not thrombophlebitis. C: Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication used for heart rhythm disorders, not thrombophlebitis. D: Furosemide is a diuretic used for edema and high blood pressure, not thrombophlebitis.
Question 3 of 5
A patient comes to the emergency department (ED) and reports a swollen and painful leg but denies sustaining any injury. The physical examination reveals a tense calf muscle, decreased sensation to the foot and leg, and absent pedal pulses. The cardiac-vascular nurse asks the patient when the symptoms began because:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because irreversible anoxic injury to muscles and nerves can occur in as few as four hours in cases of acute arterial occlusion. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention to restore blood flow and prevent tissue damage. A: Arterial thrombosis and embolism both lead to sudden occlusion of blood vessels, but the focus here is on the rapid onset of irreversible tissue damage, not the timing of symptom development. B: Compartment syndrome usually occurs hours to days after arterial occlusion, not days after. However, the key here is the potential for irreversible anoxic injury within a shorter timeframe. D: Metabolic alkalosis from muscle swelling is not directly related to the symptoms described and is not cardiotoxic in this context.
Question 4 of 5
When palpating the patient's popliteal pulse, the nurse feels a vibration at the site. How should the nurse record this finding?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Thrill of the popliteal artery. A thrill is a vibration felt over a turbulent blood flow, indicating an abnormality like a narrowing or blockage in the artery. When palpating the popliteal pulse, feeling a vibration suggests the presence of a thrill, indicating a potential vascular issue. A: Thready, weak pulse - This choice does not describe the sensation of vibration felt with a thrill. B: Bruit at the artery site - A bruit is a whooshing sound heard over an artery due to turbulent blood flow, not a vibration felt during palpation. C: Bounding pulse volume - This choice describes a strong, forceful pulse, not a vibration felt with a thrill. In summary, the correct choice, D, is supported by the presence of a vibration indicating a thrill, while the other choices do not align with the specific finding of a vibration felt during palpation of the popliteal pulse.
Question 5 of 5
Dietary teaching that includes dietary sources of potassium is indicated for the hypertensive patient taking which drug?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it helps retain potassium in the body. Hypertensive patients taking spironolactone may experience potassium loss, making dietary teaching on potassium sources crucial to prevent hypokalemia. Enalapril, Labetalol, and Hydrochlorothiazide do not directly affect potassium levels, so dietary teaching about potassium is not as essential for patients taking these medications.