ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with hyperlipidemia has a new order for colesevelam (Welchol). Which nursing action is appropriate when scheduling this medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Have the patient take the colesevelam 1 hour before breakfast. This is because colesevelam should be taken with a meal and liquid. By taking it before breakfast, the patient ensures that the medication is ingested with adequate food and fluid to optimize its therapeutic effect. Option A is incorrect as there is no specific requirement to take colesevelam at bedtime. Option C is incorrect as there is no need to separate colesevelam from other medications by 2 hours. Option D is incorrect as there is no indication that colesevelam should be taken with aspirin.
Question 2 of 5
A key diagnostic test for heart failure is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: B-type natriuretic peptide. BNP is a hormone secreted by the heart in response to increased pressure and volume overload, which are hallmark features of heart failure. Elevated BNP levels indicate heart failure. Serum potassium (A) is not specific to heart failure. Troponin I (C) and cardiac enzymes (D) are markers of cardiac injury, not heart failure. BNP is the most specific and sensitive diagnostic test for heart failure.
Question 3 of 5
A client with unstable angina receives routine applications of nitroglycerin ointment. The nurse should delay the next dose if the client has:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a systolic blood pressure below 90 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which can be exacerbated by nitroglycerin causing further blood pressure drop. Delaying the dose allows the blood pressure to stabilize. A: Atrial fibrillation is not a contraindication for nitroglycerin use. C: Headache is a common side effect of nitroglycerin but does not require delaying the dose. D: Skin redness at the current site may indicate a local reaction but does not necessarily require delaying the dose.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a child with a cyanotic heart defect. Which signs should the nurse expect to observe?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cyanosis, hypertension, clubbing, and lethargy. In a child with a cyanotic heart defect, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes) is expected due to decreased oxygen levels. Hypertension may occur as a compensatory mechanism to maintain perfusion. Clubbing can develop due to chronic hypoxia. Lethargy is common due to inadequate oxygenation. Choice B is incorrect because hypotension is less likely in this scenario. Crouching is not a typical sign of a cyanotic heart defect. Choice C is incorrect because irritability is less likely compared to lethargy in this situation. Crouching is not a common sign of a cyanotic heart defect. Choice D is incorrect because confusion and clonus are not typical signs of a cyanotic heart defect in children. Crouching is also not a common sign in this context.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of renal failure and a new myocardial infarction. The nurse who is reviewing laboratory findings would call the doctor to report which of the following results?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Calcium level of 7.0 mg/dL Rationale: 1. In a client with renal failure and myocardial infarction, monitoring calcium levels is crucial due to potential electrolyte imbalances. 2. A calcium level of 7.0 mg/dL is abnormally low (normal range is 8.5-10.5 mg/dL), indicating hypocalcemia which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. 3. Low calcium levels can worsen heart function and increase the risk of complications in a client with a recent myocardial infarction. 4. Calling the doctor to report this critical result is essential for prompt intervention to prevent adverse cardiac events. Summary of Other Choices: A: Potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L - Within normal range, not urgent in this scenario. B: Sodium level of 145 mEq/L - Within normal range, not a priority in this context. D: Digoxin/d