ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
For what reason might the nurse be given an order to administer milrinone (Primacor)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: For congestive heart failure. Milrinone is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor used to improve cardiac output in patients with severe heart failure. It works by increasing the force of heart contractions. Therefore, it is specifically indicated for congestive heart failure to help improve cardiac function. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because milrinone is not typically used for hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, or bradycardia. It is important to understand the specific indications and mechanisms of action of medications to determine the appropriate use in clinical practice.
Question 2 of 5
The client on furosemide is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases potassium excretion in the urine, leading to low potassium levels (hypokalemia). This can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and cardiac arrhythmias. Hypernatremia (B) is high sodium levels, unrelated to furosemide. Hyperkalemia (C) is the opposite of what furosemide causes. Hyponatremia (D) is low sodium levels, not typically associated with furosemide use.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is giving a client an IV bolus of heparin. What is the most important nursing action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor the client's heart rate. When administering an IV bolus of heparin, it is crucial to monitor the client's heart rate because heparin can cause serious side effects such as bleeding and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, which can lead to changes in heart rate. Checking blood pressure (B) is also important but not as critical as monitoring heart rate. Checking for signs of bleeding (C) is necessary but should be done after monitoring the heart rate. Monitoring the client's respiratory rate (D) is not directly related to heparin administration.
Question 4 of 5
The client is receiving intravenous dopamine. What is the most important nursing assessment?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor heart rate and rhythm. Dopamine is a medication that can affect the heart rate and rhythm. Monitoring these parameters is crucial to detect any potential adverse effects such as tachycardia or arrhythmias. Monitoring blood pressure is also important, but assessing heart rate and rhythm takes precedence due to the direct impact of dopamine on cardiac function. Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation are generally not directly affected by dopamine administration.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is administering an ACE inhibitor to a client. What is the most common side effect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough. ACE inhibitors commonly cause a persistent dry cough due to the accumulation of bradykinin. This side effect occurs in up to 20% of patients. Dizziness (B) and hypotension (C) are potential side effects of ACE inhibitors but not as common as cough. Hyperkalemia (D) can occur with ACE inhibitors but is not the most common side effect.