ATI RN
ATI Med Surg Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
After the nurse has finished teaching a patient about the use of sublingual nitroglycerin (Nitrostat), which patient statement indicates that the teaching has been effective?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it demonstrates the patient's understanding of the appropriate action to take if chest pain persists after taking nitroglycerin. This response shows recognition of the need for timely medical intervention if the medication is not effective, aligning with the goal of nitroglycerin use in managing angina. A is incorrect because nausea is a common side effect, but not the key indicator of effective teaching. B is incorrect as it suggests using nitroglycerin only during chest pain, missing the preventive aspect. C is incorrect as it misinterprets the mechanism of action of nitroglycerin, which primarily dilates blood vessels to improve blood flow, not prevent clot formation.
Question 2 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 3 of 5
After receiving change-of-shift report about the following four patients on the cardiac care unit, which patient should the nurse assess first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient with unstable angina who has just returned after a PCI is at the highest risk for complications such as bleeding or re-occlusion of the coronary artery. Assessing this patient first allows the nurse to address any immediate post-procedure issues and prevent potential complications. Patients with pericarditis (choice A) and variant angina (choice B) are stable and can be assessed after the patient with unstable angina. The patient who had an MI 4 days ago and is anxious about discharge (choice C) can also be assessed after the patient with unstable angina, as anxiety can be addressed once the more acute situation is managed.
Question 4 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 5 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.