ATI RN
ATI Med Surg Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
During the administration of the thrombolytic agent to a patient with an acute myocardial infarction, the nurse should stop the drug infusion if the patient experiences
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: a decrease in level of consciousness. This indicates a potential complication such as intracranial hemorrhage, which is a serious side effect of thrombolytic therapy. Stopping the drug infusion is crucial to prevent further harm. Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect: A: Bleeding from the gums is a common side effect of thrombolytic therapy and does not necessarily warrant stopping the drug infusion unless it is severe or uncontrollable. B: An increase in blood pressure may be a normal response to the medication and does not necessarily require stopping the infusion. D: A nonsustained episode of ventricular tachycardia is a common arrhythmia in acute myocardial infarction and may not require stopping the drug infusion unless it progresses to a sustained or unstable rhythm.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
An infant age 2 months has a tentative diagnosis of congenital heart defect. During physical assessment, the nurse notes that the infant has a pulse rate of 168 beats/minute and a respiratory rate of 72 breaths/minute. In which position should the nurse place the infant?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lying on the back. Placing the infant in a supine position is recommended for infants with congenital heart defects to prevent overloading the heart by reducing the workload. This position promotes better oxygenation and cardiac output, as gravity assists in venous return. Placing the infant upright in an infant seat (choice A) may increase the workload on the heart due to increased venous return. Lying on the abdomen (choice C) may compromise breathing and reduce oxygenation. Sitting in high Fowler's position (choice D) may also increase the workload on the heart and compromise respiratory function.