ATI RN
Med Surg Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with diabetes mellitus and chronic stable angina has a new order for captopril . The nurse should teach the patient that the primary purpose of captopril is to
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: prevent changes in heart muscle. Captopril is an ACE inhibitor that helps prevent remodeling of the heart muscle in patients with conditions like chronic stable angina and diabetes mellitus. This drug does not directly affect heart rate (A), blood glucose levels (B), or the frequency of chest pain (D). By inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, captopril can reduce the strain on the heart and prevent adverse changes in heart structure and function over time. This is crucial in managing conditions like chronic stable angina and diabetes mellitus to prevent complications such as heart failure.
Question 2 of 5
A child returns to his room after a cardiac catheterization. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maintain the child on bed rest with the affected extremity immobilized. After a cardiac catheterization, it is crucial to keep the affected extremity immobilized to prevent bleeding or complications at the catheter site. Bed rest helps reduce the risk of bleeding and ensures the child's safety. Choices A, C, and D involve allowing the child to move or sit up, which can increase the risk of bleeding. Choice A does not specify immobilizing the extremity, which is essential post-catheterization. Choice C involves unnecessary movement, and choice D allows sitting, which may also increase the risk of bleeding.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is preparing to discharge a client after CABG surgery. The client is taking several new medications, including digoxin (Lanoxin), metoprolol (Lopressor), and furosemide (Lasix). The client complains of nausea and anorexia. The nurse is preparing to report this finding to the physician before discharging the client. Which laboratory result will the nurse check before calling the physician?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: The client is taking digoxin, which can cause toxicity if the potassium level is low. Step 2: Low potassium levels can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Step 3: Nausea and anorexia are symptoms of digoxin toxicity. Step 4: Therefore, the nurse should check the potassium level to assess the risk of digoxin toxicity. Step 5: Checking the sodium level (choice B) is not directly related to digoxin toxicity. Step 6: PT/INR (choice C) is used to monitor anticoagulant therapy, not related to digoxin toxicity. Step 7: Checking the digoxin level (choice D) would confirm toxicity, but checking potassium level helps prevent toxicity. Summary: The nurse should check the potassium level as it directly correlates with the risk of digoxin toxicity, whereas the other choices are not directly related to the client's symptoms and medication regimen.
Question 4 of 5
When assessing a client with peripheral arterial disease, the nurse assesses the client for which of the following signs and symptoms that would be consistent with tissue ischemia?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Leg pain while walking. This symptom, known as intermittent claudication, is characteristic of tissue ischemia due to inadequate blood flow in peripheral arterial disease. It occurs during physical activity when the muscles' oxygen demand exceeds the compromised blood supply. Peripheral edema (A) is not typically associated with tissue ischemia but rather with venous insufficiency. Widened pulse pressure (B) is a sign of conditions like aortic regurgitation, not specifically peripheral arterial disease. Brownish discoloration to the skin on the leg (D) may be a late sign of tissue damage but is not an early indicator of tissue ischemia in peripheral arterial disease.
Question 5 of 5
A toddler with Kawasaki's disease is going home on salicylate (aspirin) therapy. Which is the priority teaching at the time of discharge?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Monitoring the child for gastrointestinal bleeding is the priority because aspirin therapy in Kawasaki's disease can increase the risk of bleeding due to its effects on platelet function. It is crucial to assess for signs of bleeding such as black/tarry stools, vomiting blood, or abdominal pain. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: B: Avoiding contact with other children is not directly related to the potential side effects of aspirin therapy in Kawasaki's disease. C: Reporting complaints of tingling extremities is important but not as urgent as monitoring for gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be life-threatening. D: Maintaining a low-calorie diet is not the priority teaching at the time of discharge for a toddler with Kawasaki's disease on aspirin therapy.