ATI RN
ATI Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client has a diastolic murmur. This means that the murmur is heard when in the cardiac cycle?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Between the S2 and the S1 beat. A diastolic murmur is heard during the relaxing phase of the heart cycle, between the closure of the aortic valve (S2) and the mitral valve (S1) opening. This indicates a problem with the heart valves during diastole. Choices A, B, and C do not align with the timing of diastolic murmurs in the cardiac cycle and are therefore incorrect.
Question 2 of 5
Which information from a patient helps the nurse confirm the previous diagnosis of chronic stable angina?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the fact that the pain goes away after taking a nitroglycerin tablet is a classic characteristic of chronic stable angina. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that helps relieve angina by increasing blood flow to the heart. This response is specific to angina and indicates that the pain is likely due to coronary artery disease. A: "The pain wakes me up at night" is not specific to angina and could indicate other issues like gastroesophageal reflux disease. B: "The pain is level 3 to 5" is subjective and doesn't provide diagnostic value for angina. C: "The pain has gotten worse over the last week" may suggest a change in condition but doesn't confirm the diagnosis of chronic stable angina.
Question 3 of 5
After an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), a patient ambulates in the hospital hallway. When the nurse evaluates the patient’s response to the activity, which data would indicate that the exercise level should be decreased?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Heart rate increases from 66 to 98 beats/min. After an AMI, an increase in heart rate during ambulation may indicate cardiac strain or insufficient oxygen delivery. This suggests the exercise level should be decreased to prevent further cardiac stress. A: O saturation drops from 99% to 95% - This decrease in oxygen saturation can indicate impaired gas exchange but is not a direct indicator of cardiac strain during exercise. C: Respiratory rate goes from 14 to 20 breaths/min - An increase in respiratory rate may suggest increased effort but does not specifically indicate cardiac strain. D: Blood pressure (BP) changes from 118/60 to 126/68 mm Hg - This change in BP is within a normal range and does not directly signal a need to decrease exercise level.
Question 4 of 5
A patient who has recently started taking pravastatin (Pravachol) and niacin reports several symptoms to the nurse. Which information is most important to communicate to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Generalized muscle aches and pains. This is important to communicate because it could indicate a serious side effect called rhabdomyolysis, a rare but serious condition where muscle breakdown releases toxic substances into the bloodstream. This can lead to kidney damage and other complications. B: Dizziness with rapid position changes is a common side effect of niacin and usually not as concerning as muscle aches. C: Nausea when taking the drugs before meals is a common side effect of niacin and can often be managed by taking the medication with food. D: Flushing and pruritus after taking the drugs are common side effects of niacin and not as serious as muscle aches.
Question 5 of 5
A patient who has chest pain is admitted to the emergency department (ED), and all of the following are ordered. Which one should the nurse arrange to be completed first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Electrocardiogram (ECG) should be completed first. This is because an ECG provides immediate information on the patient's cardiac status and can help in diagnosing conditions like a heart attack. This test is crucial in quickly determining the presence of significant cardiac abnormalities. Chest x-ray (A) may provide information on lung conditions but does not directly assess the heart. Troponin level (B) is important for diagnosing a heart attack but takes time to process. Insertion of a peripheral IV (D) is necessary for treatment but is not as urgent as obtaining the ECG results.