ATI RN
ATI Med Surg Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
Common side effects to anti-arrhythmic drugs include the following: Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nausea and vomiting. Anti-arrhythmic drugs commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and vomiting due to their impact on the digestive system. B: Hypotension is not a common side effect of anti-arrhythmic drugs. These medications are more likely to cause arrhythmias than low blood pressure. C: Pro-arrhythmic effect is a potential concern with anti-arrhythmic drugs, but not a common side effect. It refers to the drug actually causing or worsening arrhythmias. D: Constipation is not a typical side effect of anti-arrhythmic drugs. Gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea are more common. In summary, the correct answer is A because nausea and vomiting are commonly associated with anti-arrhythmic drugs, while hypotension, pro-arrhythmic effects, and constipation are less likely side effects.
Question 2 of 5
The client is taking IV heparin. The nurse will want to look out for what adverse reaction of the drug?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thrombocytopenia. Heparin can cause a decrease in platelet count, leading to thrombocytopenia. This can increase the risk of bleeding. Pulmonary embolism (A) and deep vein thrombosis (B) are conditions that heparin is used to prevent, not adverse reactions. Neutropenia (D) is a decrease in neutrophils, which is not a common adverse reaction of heparin. Therefore, the nurse should monitor for thrombocytopenia as an adverse reaction when the client is taking IV heparin.
Question 3 of 5
The client is being given Pradaxa (dabigatran). The nurse knows that the mechanism of action of this drug is what?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice B: 1. Pradaxa is a direct thrombin inhibitor. 2. Thrombin is a key enzyme in the blood clotting process. 3. By directly inhibiting thrombin, Pradaxa prevents the formation of blood clots. 4. This mechanism differs from antiplatelet drugs (A), fibrinolytic medications (C), and clotting factor production interference (D). Summary: - Choice A is incorrect as Pradaxa does not affect platelets directly. - Choice C is incorrect as Pradaxa does not promote the breakdown of clots like fibrinolytics. - Choice D is incorrect as Pradaxa does not interfere with the production of clotting factors.
Question 4 of 5
The client is on streptokinase for a blood clot. What adverse reaction should the nurse be looking out for?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Antibody production against the streptokinase. Streptokinase is a foreign protein that can trigger an immune response leading to the production of antibodies. This can result in an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Pulmonary embolism (choice A) and acute myocardial infarction (choice B) are not adverse reactions specific to streptokinase. Acute gastric irritation (choice D) is also not a common adverse reaction of streptokinase therapy.
Question 5 of 5
The client has been started on Zetia (exetimibe). The nurse knows that the mechanism of action of this drug is what?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B - It inhibits absorption of cholesterol in the small intestines. Rationale: Zetia (exetimibe) works by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestines, leading to decreased levels of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. By preventing the uptake of dietary cholesterol, Zetia helps lower overall cholesterol levels. This mechanism differs from choices A, C, and D, as Zetia does not affect cholesterol synthesis by the liver (A), increase LDL cholesterol production (C), or alter the ratio of HDL to LDL cholesterol (D). Therefore, the correct answer is B.