ATI RN
Drugs Affecting Cardiovascular System Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient has a low-density lipoprotein of 175 mg/dL and a high-density lipoprotein of 30 mg/dL. What teaching should the nurse implement for this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the patient's lipid profile indicates high LDL and low HDL levels, which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. By discussing medications, dietary changes, and exercise, the nurse can address these lipid abnormalities effectively. Medications may be needed to lower LDL and raise HDL levels. Dietary changes, such as reducing saturated fats and increasing fiber intake, can help improve the lipid profile. Implementing an exercise regimen can also positively impact lipid levels. Choice B is incorrect because lifestyle changes are necessary to improve the patient's lipid profile. Choice C is incorrect as a high fat intake is not recommended for someone with elevated LDL levels. Choice D is incorrect as keeping a food diary and repeating laboratory work in 6 months may not address the immediate need for intervention to manage the patient's lipid levels.
Question 2 of 5
A patient tells a nurse that an MRI is scheduled for the next day. The patient asks about the purpose of the test and whether it will hurt. The best response would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The rationale is as follows: 1. The nurse accurately explains the purpose of the MRI as taking a picture of the brain. 2. The response addresses the patient's concern about pain by stating that the test doesn't hurt. 3. Mentioning the need to lie still covers potential discomfort during the procedure. 4. This response is informative, reassuring, and addresses the patient's questions effectively. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: A. Incorrect because it inaccurately states the purpose of the MRI and provides false reassurance about pain. B. Incorrect because it wrongly suggests the test is painful and misleadingly focuses on mental illness diagnosis. C. Incorrect because it inaccurately describes the MRI process and its relation to brain activity, leading to confusion and unnecessary worry for the patient.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is being prepared for an oral endoscopy, and the nurse anesthetist reminds him that he will be awake during the procedure but probably will not remember it. What type of anesthetic technique is used in this situation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Moderate sedation. In this situation, the nurse anesthetist mentions that the patient will be awake but likely won't remember the procedure, indicating the use of moderate sedation. Moderate sedation involves administering medications to induce a depressed level of consciousness while maintaining the patient's ability to independently maintain their airway and respond to verbal commands. Local anesthesia (A) involves numbing a specific area of the body. Topical anesthesia (C) is used on mucous membranes or skin surfaces. Spinal anesthesia (D) involves injecting anesthesia into the spinal canal to numb a larger region of the body.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus has been found to have trace proteinuria. The prescriber writes an order for an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. What is the main reason for prescribing this class of drug for this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Renal protective effects. ACE inhibitors are commonly prescribed in patients with type 2 diabetes and proteinuria to help protect the kidneys by reducing intraglomerular pressure and decreasing protein leakage. This helps slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Choice A is incorrect because while ACE inhibitors do have some cardioprotective effects, the primary reason for prescribing in this case is renal protection. Choice C is incorrect as reducing blood pressure is a secondary benefit of ACE inhibitors in this scenario. Choice D is incorrect as promoting fluid output is not the main mechanism of action for ACE inhibitors in this context.
Question 5 of 5
A patient reports having adverse effects with nicotinic acid (niacin). The nurse can suggest performing which action to minimize these undesirable effects?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Take an aspirin tablet 30 minutes before taking the drug. This is because aspirin helps reduce flushing, a common adverse effect of niacin. Aspirin inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which is responsible for vasodilation leading to flushing. Taking niacin on an empty stomach (A) may worsen gastrointestinal side effects. Taking the medication every other day (B) may not effectively manage the adverse effects. Taking the drug with large amounts of fiber (D) is not proven to minimize niacin's adverse effects.