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 increase cardiac output by pumping more blood with each heartbeat, compensating for the decreased output. Decreasing heart rate (choice A) would further reduce cardiac output. Increased blood volume (choice C) can increase preload and cardiac output, but only if the heart is able to handle the increased volume. Decreased venous return (choice D) would decrease preload and subsequently cardiac output. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate option to increase cardiac output in this scenario.
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. It is crucial to withhold Ticlid on the day of surgery to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding during the procedure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because taking Ticlid on the day of surgery or stopping it too far in advance can lead to increased bleeding risks. Stopping Ticlid a month before surgery (C) is unnecessary and can increase the risk of clot formation. Stopping Ticlid 7 days before surgery (D) is also too close to the surgery date and may not provide enough time for the medication to clear the system, potentially leading to increased bleeding risks.
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 lowering triglyceride levels. It does not directly reduce cholesterol levels (A), destabilize cholesterol plaques (B), or prevent a recurrent MI (C). It is important to understand the specific mechanism of action of gemfibrozil to provide accurate patient education.
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) because normal capillary refill time is typically less than 1 second. Capillary refill time measures the time it takes for blood to return to the capillaries after pressure is applied and released. This quick refill indicates adequate peripheral circulation. Choices B, C, and D (3 seconds, 5 seconds, and 10 seconds) are incorrect as they indicate delayed capillary refill, which can be a sign of poor circulation or other underlying health issues. It is crucial for nurses to assess capillary refill time accurately to monitor circulation status and detect potential problems early.
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. With a heart rate of 40 and electrical activity starting at the AV node, it indicates a slow heart rate originating from the junctional tissue. This rhythm is considered an escape rhythm when the SA node fails to initiate an impulse. A: Normal sinus rhythm is characterized by a heart rate of 60-100 bpm originating from the SA node. B: Atrial flutter is a rapid regular atrial rhythm with a rate typically between 250-350 bpm. C: Atrial fibrillation is characterized by rapid and irregular atrial activity, not a slow rhythm like in this case.