ATI RN
Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client has a resting heart rate of 80 and a regular rhythm. What is the likely source of electrical activity in this client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The sino-atrial node. The SA node is the natural pacemaker of the heart, responsible for initiating the electrical impulses that regulate the heartbeat. A resting heart rate of 80 with a regular rhythm indicates normal sinus rhythm, which is typically driven by the SA node. The SA node is located in the right atrium and generates electrical impulses that spread through the atria, causing them to contract. Choice B (The atrio-ventricular node) is incorrect because the AV node serves to delay the electrical impulse to allow the atria to contract before the ventricles. Choice C (The Purkinje fibers) is incorrect as they are responsible for rapid conduction of the electrical impulse to the ventricles. Choice D (The bundle of HIS) is incorrect as it is part of the electrical conduction system that transmits the impulse from the AV node to the bundle branches.
Question 2 of 5
The client is being fitted for a Holter Monitor. What does the nurse tell the client in preparation for the test?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the client should record the time of any palpable events, such as palpitations, during the Holter Monitor test to correlate symptoms with the recorded heart rhythm. This information helps healthcare providers make an accurate diagnosis. Choice A is incorrect as the client can go about their usual activities during the test. Choice B is incorrect as the client can bathe normally while wearing the Holter monitor. Choice C is incorrect as the test typically lasts for 24 to 48 hours, not just 30 minutes.
Question 3 of 5
Diltiazem (Cardizem) is ordered for a patient with newly diagnosed Prinzmetal’s (variant) angina. When teaching the patient, the nurse will include the information that diltiazem will
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: decrease coronary artery spasms. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that helps to relax and dilate coronary arteries, reducing the frequency and severity of coronary artery spasms in Prinzmetal's angina. This action improves blood flow to the heart muscle, relieving chest pain. A: reduce heart palpitations - Diltiazem may cause bradycardia (slow heart rate) but is not primarily used to reduce heart palpitations. B: prevent coronary artery plaque - Diltiazem does not prevent the formation of coronary artery plaque. D: increase contractile force of the heart - Diltiazem actually decreases the contractile force of the heart by reducing cardiac workload and oxygen demand.
Question 4 of 5
When caring for a patient who is recovering from a sudden cardiac death (SCD) event and has no evidence of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the nurse will anticipate teaching the patient that
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because after a sudden cardiac death (SCD) event without evidence of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), additional diagnostic testing is needed to determine the underlying cause and assess the risk of recurrence. This testing may include cardiac imaging, electrophysiological studies, and genetic testing. By identifying the specific cause, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans to prevent future SCD events. A: This is incorrect because the risk of SCD recurrence can vary based on the underlying cause and individual patient factors. C: Long-term anticoagulation therapy is not typically indicated for SCD without evidence of AMI unless there is a specific indication such as atrial fibrillation or a clotting disorder. D: Limiting physical activity alone is not a comprehensive strategy for preventing future SCD events; individualized recommendations should be based on diagnostic findings.
Question 5 of 5
When caring for a patient with acute coronary syndrome who has returned to the coronary care unit after having angioplasty with stent placement, the nurse obtains the following assessment data. Which data indicate the need for immediate action by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Report of severe chest pain. Severe chest pain in a patient with acute coronary syndrome after angioplasty with stent placement can indicate a potential complication like stent thrombosis or myocardial infarction. Immediate action is required to assess the patient's condition, administer appropriate interventions, and prevent further complications. A: Heart rate 102 beats/min - Although an elevated heart rate can indicate cardiac stress, it is not as urgent as severe chest pain in this context. B: Pedal pulses 1+ bilaterally - While decreased pedal pulses may indicate peripheral vascular issues, it is not as critical as addressing severe chest pain in a patient with acute coronary syndrome. D: Blood pressure 103/54 mm Hg - Although low blood pressure can be concerning, it is not as immediately life-threatening as severe chest pain in this scenario.