ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client has a decreased cardiac output. Which things can increase the client’s cardiac output? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased heart rate. Increasing heart rate can help compensate for decreased cardiac output by improving the heart's efficiency in pumping blood. This allows for more blood to be pumped out of the heart per minute, ultimately increasing cardiac output. Decreased heart rate (choice A) would further decrease cardiac output by reducing the number of heartbeats per minute. Increased blood volume (choice C) can lead to increased preload and potentially worsen cardiac output in a compromised heart. Decreased venous return to the heart (choice D) reduces the amount of blood returning to the heart, which can also decrease cardiac output.
Question 2 of 5
The client is taking Ticlid and is anticipating surgery. What does the nurse advice the client to do about taking the Ticlid around the time of surgery?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ticlid should be withheld on the day of surgery. Ticlid is an antiplatelet medication that can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Withholding it on the day of surgery helps reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during the procedure. Choice B is incorrect because taking Ticlid on the day of surgery can increase the risk of bleeding complications. Choice C is incorrect because stopping Ticlid a month before surgery may not be necessary and can increase the risk of thrombotic events if the client has a history of cardiovascular issues. Choice D is incorrect because stopping Ticlid 7 days prior to surgery may not be sufficient to prevent bleeding complications during the procedure.
Question 3 of 5
The client has been prescribed gemfibrozil. The nurse explains the function of the drug as what?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: It lowers triglyceride levels. Gemfibrozil is a fibric acid derivative that primarily works by decreasing triglyceride levels. It does not directly reduce cholesterol levels (A), destabilize cholesterol plaques (B), or prevent a recurrent MI (C). Lowering triglyceride levels helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, the explanation that gemfibrozil lowers triglyceride levels aligns with its mechanism of action and therapeutic effects.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing the client’s capillary refill. A normal capillary refill time is what?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Less than 1 second. Capillary refill time is a measure of peripheral perfusion. A normal capillary refill time is less than 1 second, indicating adequate blood flow to the capillaries. If capillary refill takes longer than 1 second, it may suggest poor perfusion. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they exceed the normal capillary refill time, indicating decreased perfusion and potential circulatory compromise.
Question 5 of 5
The client has a heart rate of 40 with electrical activity beginning at the AV node. What type of rhythm is the client having?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Junctional escape rhythm. A heart rate of 40 with electrical activity starting at the AV node indicates a slow rhythm originating from the junctional tissue. In this case, the AV node is acting as the escape pacemaker, generating electrical impulses to maintain the heart rate. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Normal sinus rhythm typically has a heart rate between 60-100 bpm. B: Atrial flutter presents with a rapid, regular atrial rate between 250-400 bpm. C: Atrial fibrillation shows chaotic and irregular electrical activity in the atria, not a slow heart rate.