ATI RN
Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
After the nurse teaches the patient about the use of carvedilol (Coreg) in preventing anginal episodes, which statement by a patient indicates that the teaching has been effective?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. The statement "It is important not to suddenly stop taking the carvedilol" demonstrates understanding of the need for gradual tapering to prevent rebound effects. 2. Abrupt discontinuation of carvedilol can lead to worsening angina or potential heart complications. 3. This statement reflects patient's awareness of the importance of medication adherence for optimal therapeutic outcomes. Summary: A: Incorrect. Carvedilol does not make the heart muscle work harder; it reduces the workload on the heart. C: Incorrect. Shortness of breath is not a common side effect of carvedilol. D: Incorrect. Carvedilol works by reducing blood pressure and heart rate, not by directly increasing blood flow to the heart muscle.
Question 2 of 5
When caring for a patient who has just arrived on the telemetry unit after having cardiac catheterization, which nursing intervention should the nurse delegate to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Give the scheduled aspirin and lipid-lowering medication. This task is within the scope of practice for an LPN/LVN as it involves administering medications. LPN/LVNs are trained in medication administration and can safely give prescribed medications to patients. This intervention is crucial for the patient's post-cardiac catheterization care to prevent complications and promote recovery. Choice B is incorrect because assessing the catheter insertion site requires more specialized knowledge and skill, typically performed by a registered nurse or higher-level provider. Choice C involves patient education, which is usually the responsibility of the RN due to the complexity and importance of the information provided. Choice D involves titrating medications, which requires a higher level of assessment and decision-making that is typically within the RN's scope of practice.
Question 3 of 5
Which patient at the cardiovascular clinic requires the most immediate action by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The patient with stable angina whose chest pain has recently increased in frequency requires immediate action as it could indicate a worsening condition or impending cardiac event. Stable angina worsening suggests unstable angina or even a heart attack. Regular angina may progress rapidly to an acute coronary syndrome. The other choices are not as urgent: A's blood glucose is slightly elevated but not critical for immediate intervention; C's high cholesterol, while concerning, does not require immediate action; and D's elevated blood pressure, although high, does not indicate immediate danger unless accompanied by symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
A client has developed acute pulmonary edema. Which test result should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Interstitial edema by chest X-ray. Acute pulmonary edema results from fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to interstitial edema visible on chest X-ray. B is incorrect because pulmonary edema typically causes respiratory acidosis, not metabolic alkalosis. C is incorrect as bradycardia is not a typical finding in acute pulmonary edema; tachycardia is more common. D is incorrect because pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is usually elevated in acute pulmonary edema due to increased left ventricular filling pressure.
Question 5 of 5
A client comes to the emergency department with a dissecting aortic aneurysm. The client is at greatest risk for:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: cardiogenic shock. In a dissecting aortic aneurysm, the inner layer of the aorta tears, leading to blood leaking into the middle layer. This can result in decreased cardiac output, leading to cardiogenic shock. Septic shock (A) is caused by severe infection, anaphylactic shock (B) is an extreme allergic reaction, and hypovolemic shock (D) is due to severe blood loss. In this scenario, the primary concern is the compromised cardiac function due to the dissecting aortic aneurysm, placing the client at greatest risk for cardiogenic shock.