ATI LPN
Cardiovascular Assessment Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Low cardiac output to the kidneys stimulates the release of _____ from juxtaglomerular cells.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When cardiac output is reduced, juxtaglomerular cells in the kidney release renin and initiate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone cascade leading to salt and water retention by the kidney. Aldosterone is not released from juxtaglomerular cells. Norepinephrine is not released by cells within the kidney. Angiotensin is not involved in the process of cellular release within the kidneys.
Question 2 of 5
Which blood pressure(BP) finding by the nurse indicates that no changes in therapy are needed for a 48-yr-old patient with newly diagnosed hypertension?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The 8th Joint National Committee's recommended goal for antihypertensive therapy for a 30- to 59-yr-old patient with hypertension is a BP below 130/80 mm Hg. The BP of 98/56 mm Hg may indicate overtreatment of the hypertension and an increased risk for adverse drug effects. The other two blood pressures indicate a need for modifications in the patient's treatment.
Question 3 of 5
Which action will the nurse in the hypertension clinic take in order to obtain an accurate baseline blood pressure(BP) for a new patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The patient should be seated with the feet flat on the floor. The BP is obtained in both arms, and the results of the two arms are not averaged. The patient does not need to be in the supine position. The cuff should be deflated at 2 to 3 mm Hg per second.
Question 4 of 5
An older adult is newly diagnosed with primary hypertension and has just been started on a beta-blocker. The nurse's health education should include which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Elderly people have impaired cardiovascular reflexes and are more sensitive to postural hypotension. The nurse teaches patients to change positions slowly when moving from lying or sitting positions to a standing position, and counsels elderly patients to use supportive devices as necessary to prevent falls that could result from dizziness. Lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity/exercise, and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, is strongly recommended. Increasing fluids in elderly patients may be contraindicated due to cardiovascular disease. Increased intracranial pressure is not a risk and activity should not normally be limited.
Question 5 of 5
The critical care nurse is caring for a patient just admitted in a hypertensive emergency. The nurse should anticipate the administration of what medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The medications of choice in hypertensive emergencies are those that have an immediate effect. IV vasodilators, including sodium nitroprusside (Nitropress), nicardipine hydrochloride (Cardene), clevidipine (Cleviprex), fenoldopam mesylate (Corlopam), enalaprilat, and nitroglycerin, have immediate actions that are short lived (minutes to 4 hours), and they are therefore used for initial treatment. Ramipril is administered orally and would not meet the patient's immediate need for BP management. Diuretics, such as Lasix, are not used as initial treatments and there is no indication for anticoagulants such as Coumadin.