ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is being taught how to care for his pacemaker site by the critical care nurse. Which of the following indicates that this patient understands safe care of the device?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Handling pacemaker leads and a toaster simultaneously can lead to interference with the device, so the patient understands the importance of avoiding this. 2. This answer demonstrates awareness of potential risks and shows the patient's commitment to safety. 3. Options B, C, and D do not directly address safe care of the pacemaker site or demonstrate understanding of potential risks. 4. Option B focuses on obtaining a medic alert tag but does not address specific care instructions for the pacemaker site. 5. Option C assumes that the OR environment guarantees no risk of infection, which is incorrect. 6. Option D's reference to avoiding a home microwave is not necessary for pacemaker care unless the microwave is very old and poorly shielded.
Question 2 of 5
The client has a condition for which a beta agonist has been ordered. What condition might this be?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Supraventricular tachycardia. Beta agonists, like adenosine or beta-blockers, are commonly used to treat supraventricular tachycardia by slowing down the heart rate. This condition involves rapid heartbeats originating above the ventricles. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because beta agonists are not typically indicated for shock, hypertension, or cardiac arrhythmias, respectively. In hypertensive emergencies, other antihypertensive medications are preferred. In shock, fluid resuscitation and vasopressors are usually used. For cardiac arrhythmias, antiarrhythmic drugs or cardioversion are more appropriate treatments.
Question 3 of 5
The client is taking a class I anti-arrhythmic medication. How does this type of medication work?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for answer D: 1. Class I anti-arrhythmic drugs work by blocking sodium channels in the heart. 2. Blocking sodium channels slows the phase 0 depolarization of cardiac cells. 3. This decreases the conduction velocity and excitability of cardiac tissue. 4. Ultimately, it helps to stabilize the heart's electrical activity and prevent arrhythmias. Summary: A: Blocking calcium channels is typical for Class IV antiarrhythmics, not Class I. B: Increasing conduction through AV node is not the mechanism of Class I antiarrhythmics. C: Decreasing excitability of SA node is not how Class I antiarrhythmics work.
Question 4 of 5
The client is taking an ACE inhibitor. The nurse explains to the client that this drug acts how?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation and decreased blood pressure. Option A is incorrect as calcium channel blockers are a different class of drugs. Option C is incorrect as ACE inhibitors do not have a direct inotropic effect on the heart. Option D is incorrect as ACE inhibitors do not have a direct effect on heart rate.
Question 5 of 5
The client is to take IV heparin. What is a contraindication to giving the drug? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B (Uncontrolled bleeding) Rationale: 1. Heparin is an anticoagulant that works by preventing blood clots. 2. Uncontrolled bleeding is a contraindication because heparin can increase the risk of bleeding. 3. Deep vein thrombosis (A) is not a contraindication as heparin is used to treat and prevent DVT. 4. Thrombocytosis (C) is an increased platelet count and not a contraindication for heparin. 5. Thrombocytopenia (D) is a low platelet count, which can increase the risk of bleeding, making it a contraindication as well.