ATI LPN
Cardiovascular Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is exhibiting severe dyspnea and anxiety. The patient also has bubbly crackles in all lung fields with pink, frothy sputum. This patient is most likely experiencing
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment. It is associated with left ventricular failure that severely impairs gas exchange, and produces dramatic signs and symptoms including anxiety, severe dyspnea, an upright posture to breathe effectively, and pink frothy sputum. Right-sided heart failure produces systemic venous congestion. Cardiomyopathy is not associated with bubbly crackles and pink frothy sputum. A medication reaction is not the reason for the patient to exhibit severe dyspnea, anxiety, bubbly crackles, and frothy sputum.
Question 2 of 5
A 62-yr-old patient who has no history of hypertension or other health problems suddenly develops a blood pressure(BP) of 198/110 mm Hg. After reconfirming the BP, it is appropriate for the nurse to tell the patient that:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A sudden increase in BP in a patient older than age 50 years with no hypertension history or risk factors indicates that the hypertension may be secondary to some other problem. The BP will need treatment and ongoing monitoring. If the patient has no other risk factors, a stroke in the immediate future is unlikely. There is no indication that dietary salt or fat intake have contributed to this sudden increase in BP. Reducing intake of salt and fat alone will not be adequate to reduce this BP to an acceptable level.
Question 3 of 5
Tachycardia refers to
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tachycardia is defined as an abnormally rapid heart rate, typically above 100 beats per minute.
Question 4 of 5
The charge nurse observes a new registered nurse(RN) doing discharge teaching for a patient with hypertension who has a new prescription for enalapril(Vasotec). The charge nurse will need to intervene if the new RN tells the patient to
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The ACE inhibitors cause retention of potassium by the kidney, so hyperkalemia is a possible adverse effect. The other teaching by the new RN is appropriate for a patient with newly diagnosed hypertension who has just started therapy with enalapril.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with newly diagnosed hypertension has come to the clinic for a follow-up visit. The patient asks the nurse why she has to come in so often. What would be the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When hypertension is initially detected, nursing assessment involves carefully monitoring the BP at frequent intervals and then at routinely scheduled intervals. The reference to stroke is frightening and does not capture the overall rationale for the monitoring regimen. Changes throughout the day are not a clinical priority for most patients. The patient must not change his or her medication doses unilaterally.