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 medication should be taken with a meal and plenty of water to prevent gastrointestinal side effects. Taking it before breakfast ensures adequate absorption and efficacy. A: Administering the medication at bedtime may not provide optimal absorption as it should be taken with a meal. C: Giving other medications 2 hours after colesevelam is not necessary, as there are no known interactions requiring such spacing. D: Taking colesevelam with aspirin may reduce the effectiveness of both medications as they may bind to each other.
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 released by the heart in response to increased ventricular pressure and volume overload, which are characteristic of heart failure. Elevated levels of BNP indicate heart failure. Serum potassium (A) is not a specific diagnostic test for heart failure. Troponin I (C) and cardiac enzymes (D) are markers of cardiac damage, not 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: A systolic blood pressure below 90 mm Hg. Nitroglycerin ointment is a vasodilator that can further decrease blood pressure, potentially causing hypotension if the systolic BP is already below 90 mm Hg. Delaying the next dose allows time for the BP to stabilize. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because atrial fibrillation, headache, and skin redness at the site are not contraindications for administering nitroglycerin ointment.
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: Correct Answer: A Rationale: In a child with a cyanotic heart defect, the deoxygenated blood mixes with oxygenated blood, resulting in cyanosis (bluish skin). Hypertension can occur due to increased workload on the heart. Clubbing indicates chronic hypoxia. Lethargy is a common symptom of decreased oxygen levels. Summary of Other Choices: B: Hypotension is less likely due to increased workload on the heart. Crouching may be seen in some cases but is not a typical sign. Lethargy is common. C: Irritability is less common compared to lethargy. Clubbing is a common sign. Crouching may be seen but is not specific. D: Confusion and clonus are not typical signs of cyanotic heart defects. Crouching may occur, but it is not specific.
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: The correct answer is C: Calcium level of 7.0 mg/dL. In a client with renal failure and myocardial infarction, low calcium levels can lead to arrhythmias and worsen heart function. The nurse should call the doctor to report this critical finding. Choice A: Potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L is within the normal range and not immediately concerning in this context. Choice B: Sodium level of 145 mEq/L is also within the normal range and not a priority in this situation. Choice D: Digoxin/digitalis level of 0.8 ng/mL is within the therapeutic range, so it's not an immediate concern unless there are clinical symptoms of toxicity.