ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Drugs Classification Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient has a serum cholesterol level of 265 mg/dL, a triglyceride level of 235 mg/dL, and a low-density lipoprotein of 180 mg/dL. What do these serum levels indicate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hyperlipidemia. These serum levels indicate high levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which are characteristic of hyperlipidemia. High levels of these lipids increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Hypolipidemia (A) indicates low lipid levels, which is not the case here. Normolipidemia (B) suggests normal lipid levels, which the patient's levels exceed. Alipidemia (D) refers to absence of lipids, which is not the case here.
Question 2 of 5
A patient states, “I’m going to have a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. What are the doctors going to learn from it?” The best reply would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "They will learn about the activity in various portions of your brain." A PET scan measures metabolic activity in the brain by detecting the distribution of a radioactive tracer. This helps doctors assess brain function, diagnose conditions like Alzheimer's or epilepsy, and monitor treatment response. Choice A is incorrect as PET scans can also detect brain activity, not just tumors and scars. Choice C is incorrect as outlining brain structures is typically done with other imaging techniques like MRI. Choice D is incorrect as PET scans have significant clinical utility in various medical specialties.
Question 3 of 5
When administering a neuromuscular blocking drug such as pancuronium (Pavulon), the nurse needs to remember which principle?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because neuromuscular blocking drugs like pancuronium cause paralysis of skeletal muscles, including respiratory muscles. This results in the need for artificial mechanical ventilation to support breathing. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because neuromuscular blocking drugs do not provide anesthesia, only muscle paralysis; they paralyze all skeletal muscles, including respiratory muscles; and they do not provide sedation or pain relief, but rather require additional anesthesia and pain management.
Question 4 of 5
A pregnant woman is experiencing hypertension. The nurse knows that which drug is commonly used for a pregnant patient who is experiencing hypertension?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, methyldopa (Aldomet), for a pregnant patient with hypertension. Methyldopa is a safe and effective antihypertensive medication during pregnancy as it has been extensively studied and shown to be beneficial without harming the fetus. It works by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors in the brain to reduce peripheral vascular resistance and lower blood pressure. Other choices like mannitol, enalapril, and hydrochlorothiazide are contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential risks of fetal harm or complications. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic not used for hypertension; enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that can cause fetal harm; hydrochlorothiazide can lead to electrolyte imbalances in the fetus.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is reviewing new medication orders for a patient who has an epidural catheter for pain relief. One of the orders is for enoxaparin (Lovenox), a low–molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). What is the nurse’s priority action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Contact the prescriber because the LMWH cannot be given if the patient has an epidural catheter. This is the priority action because LMWH use is contraindicated in patients with epidural catheters due to the increased risk of epidural hematoma. Contacting the prescriber ensures patient safety. Choice A is incorrect as giving the LMWH without addressing the contraindication can lead to serious complications. Choice B is unnecessary and delays necessary action. Choice C is incorrect as stopping the epidural medication without addressing the contraindication is not the priority.