ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
As the manager of a cardiac surgery unit, you are responsible for developing a standardized care plan for the post-operative care of patients having cardiac surgery. Which of these nursing activities included in the care plan will need to be done by an RN?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because developing an individual plan for discharge teaching based on discharge medications and needed lifestyle changes requires critical thinking, assessment, and evaluation skills, which are within the scope of practice of a registered nurse (RN). RNs are trained to assess patients' needs, plan and implement care, and evaluate outcomes. Removing dressings (choice A) and administering medications (choice D) are tasks that can be delegated to other healthcare team members such as licensed practical nurses or nursing assistants. Reinforcing patient and family teaching (choice B) can also be done by other healthcare team members under the supervision of an RN.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following determine the possibility of the client having coronary artery disease?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Chest Pain. Chest pain is a common symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD) due to inadequate blood supply to the heart. It is a key indicator for CAD diagnosis. Tachycardia (A) may be a symptom of CAD but not definitive. Hair loss (B) and numbness/tingling (D) are not typically associated with CAD. In summary, chest pain is a cardinal symptom of CAD, making it the most relevant choice among the options provided.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is teaching a client with a history of dysrhythmias about changes in diet. Which of the following does the nurse suggest to the client to prevent catecholamine release, which may cause dangerous dysrhythmias?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Drink no more than 6 oz. of beer or wine per day. Catecholamines are released in response to stress or stimulation. Alcohol consumption can lead to catecholamine release, potentially causing dysrhythmias. Limiting alcohol intake can help prevent this. A: Eating a low salt, high fiber diet may be beneficial for overall heart health, but it does not directly address catecholamine release. C: Drinking a lot of water is important for hydration, but it does not specifically prevent catecholamine release. D: Eating a variety of foods according to the food pyramid is generally good for overall health but does not directly address catecholamine release.
Question 4 of 5
Which assessment is the most important in determining the amount of fluid that the client is retaining?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Daily weights. Daily weights are crucial in monitoring fluid retention as they provide a direct measure of changes in the body's fluid balance. Sudden weight gain can indicate fluid retention, such as in heart failure. Heart sounds (A) are important for assessing heart function but do not directly measure fluid retention. Peripheral pulses (B) are mainly used to assess circulation and not fluid retention. Peripheral edema (D) is a visible sign of fluid retention, but daily weights provide a more accurate and quantitative measure of fluid status.
Question 5 of 5
Your patient is experiencing thrombophlebitis. Which of the following medications would you expect to administer for this condition?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heparin. Heparin is an anticoagulant that helps prevent blood clot formation, which is crucial in treating thrombophlebitis. It works by inhibiting clotting factors and preventing further clot growth. B: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used for hypertension, not thrombophlebitis. C: Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication used for heart rhythm disorders, not thrombophlebitis. D: Furosemide is a diuretic used for edema and high blood pressure, not thrombophlebitis.