ATI RN
ATI Med Surg Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient who is being admitted to the emergency department with intermittent chest pain gives the following list of daily medications to the nurse. Which medication has the most immediate implications for the patient’s care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: sildenafil (Viagra). Sildenafil is a medication used for erectile dysfunction that can interact dangerously with nitrates, which are often given for chest pain. This interaction can lead to severe hypotension and cardiovascular collapse. Therefore, the immediate implication for the patient's care is to avoid giving nitrates if the patient has taken sildenafil. Incorrect choices: A: Captopril is an ACE inhibitor used for hypertension, but it does not have immediate implications for chest pain. C: Furosemide is a diuretic used for managing fluid overload, which is not directly related to the patient's chest pain. D: Warfarin is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clot formation, which is not immediately relevant to the patient's presenting chest pain.
Question 2 of 5
A client is in the first postoperative day after left femoropopliteal revascularization. Which position would be most appropriate for this client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: In high Fowler's position. This position helps improve lung ventilation, reduces the risk of aspiration, and promotes circulation. It also minimizes the risk of venous stasis and thrombus formation in the lower extremities postoperatively. Choices A, C, and D do not offer the same benefits and may even hinder circulation or increase the risk of complications in the postoperative period.
Question 3 of 5
A client with dilated cardiomyopathy, pulmonary edema, and severe dyspnea is placed on dobutamine. Which assessment finding indicates that the drug is effective?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased activity tolerance. Dobutamine is a positive inotrope that improves cardiac contractility, leading to better cardiac output and improved exercise tolerance. In a client with dilated cardiomyopathy and pulmonary edema, an increase in activity tolerance indicates that the drug is effectively improving the heart's function. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the drug's effectiveness in treating dilated cardiomyopathy and pulmonary edema. Absence of arrhythmias (Choice B) is important but not the primary assessment for dobutamine's effectiveness. Negative Homans' sign (Choice C) is unrelated to the drug's action. Blood pressure of 160/90 mm Hg (Choice D) is not a specific indicator of dobutamine's effectiveness in this context.
Question 4 of 5
An infant age 2 months has a tentative diagnosis of congenital heart defect. During physical assessment, the nurse notes that the infant has a pulse rate of 168 beats/minute and a respiratory rate of 72 breaths/minute. In which position should the nurse place the infant?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lying on the back. Placing the infant in a supine position is recommended for infants with congenital heart defects to prevent overloading the heart by reducing the workload. This position promotes better oxygenation and cardiac output, as gravity assists in venous return. Placing the infant upright in an infant seat (choice A) may increase the workload on the heart due to increased venous return. Lying on the abdomen (choice C) may compromise breathing and reduce oxygenation. Sitting in high Fowler's position (choice D) may also increase the workload on the heart and compromise respiratory function.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who has just undergone cardiac angiography. The catheter insertion site is free from bleeding or signs of hematoma. The vital signs and distal pulses remain in the client's normal range. The intravenous fluids were discontinued. The client is not hungry or thirsty and refuses any food or fluids, asking to be left alone to rest. Which of the following is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "You are recovering well from the procedure and resting is a good idea." This response acknowledges the client's autonomy and respects their desire for rest after the procedure. It also recognizes the client's normal vital signs and absence of complications. Encouraging rest promotes healing and reduces the risk of complications. Choice B is incorrect because forcing the client to walk may not be appropriate immediately after the procedure, especially if the client is fatigued or not feeling well. Choice C is incorrect because the client is not thirsty and forcing fluids may lead to discomfort. It's important to respect the client's preferences and monitor for signs of dehydration. Choice D is incorrect because while leg exercises are important for circulation, the client's immediate need for rest should be prioritized. It is essential to balance activity with rest based on the client's condition.