ATI LPN
Questions for Cardiovascular Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
Patients with structural evidence of heart failure who exhibit no signs or symptoms are classified into which New York Heart Association heart failure class?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Patients who have structural heart disease but no signs or symptoms of heart failure are placed in Class I of the NYHA Classes. Class II patients have current or previous symptoms of heart failure. Class III patients have current or previous symptoms of heart failure, such as dyspnea or fatigue. Class IV patients have advanced structural heart disease and marked symptoms at rest.
Question 2 of 5
Which information is most important for the nurse to include when teaching a patient newly diagnosed with hypertension?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypertension is usually asymptomatic until target organ damage has occurred. Lifestyle changes(e.g., physical activity, dietary changes) are used to help manage BP, but drugs are needed for most patients. Home BP monitoring should be taught to the patient and findings checked by the health care provider frequently when starting treatment for hypertension and then every 3 months when stable.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse obtains the following information from a patient newly diagnosed with prehypertension. Which finding is most important to address with the patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The recommendations for preventing hypertension include exercising aerobically for 30 minutes most days of the week. A weight that is 5 pounds over the ideal body weight is not a risk factor for hypertension. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension(DASH) diet is high in fiber, but increasing fiber alone will not prevent hypertension from developing. The patient's alcohol intake is within guidelines and will not increase the hypertension risk.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with primary hypertension comes to the clinic complaining of a gradual onset of blurry vision and decreased visual acuity over the past several weeks. The nurse is aware that these symptoms could be indicative of what?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Blurred vision, spots in front of the eyes, and diminished visual acuity can mean retinal blood vessel damage indicative of damage elsewhere in the vascular system as a result of hypertension. Glaucoma and cranial nerve damage do not normally cause these symptoms. A hypertensive emergency would have a more rapid onset.
Question 5 of 5
A patient in hypertensive emergency is being cared for in the ICU. The patient has become hypovolemic secondary to natriuresis. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: If there is volume depletion secondary to natriuresis caused by the elevated BP, then volume replacement with normal saline can prevent large, sudden drops in BP when antihypertensive medications are administered. Sodium administration, cessation of antihypertensive therapy, and administration of vasoconstrictors are not normally indicated.