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 primary pacemaker of the heart, responsible for initiating the electrical impulses that regulate the heart rate. It is located in the right atrium and typically generates a resting heart rate of around 60-100 beats per minute. In this scenario, with a resting heart rate of 80 and a regular rhythm, the SA node is most likely the source of electrical activity. The other choices (B: AV node, C: Purkinje fibers, D: Bundle of His) are involved in the conduction of electrical impulses within the heart but are not responsible for the initiation of the heartbeat at rest.
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 provide valuable information to healthcare providers. This step is crucial for correlating symptoms with the recorded heart activity. Choice A is incorrect because clients are encouraged to continue their normal activities during the test. Choice B is incorrect as clients can bathe while wearing the monitor. Choice C is incorrect as the Holter Monitor test typically lasts for 24-48 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: Step 1: Prinzmetal's angina is caused by coronary artery spasms. Step 2: Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that helps relax coronary arteries. Step 3: Relaxing coronary arteries helps decrease spasms. Step 4: Therefore, the correct answer is C: decrease coronary artery spasms. Summary: A is incorrect because diltiazem does not directly affect heart palpitations. B is incorrect because it does not target plaque. D is incorrect because diltiazem does not increase contractile force.
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: Step 1: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) indicates a serious underlying heart condition. Step 2: Absence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) suggests other causes need investigation. Step 3: Additional diagnostic testing can identify underlying causes to prevent future events. Step 4: Teaching the patient about the need for further testing is crucial for proper management. Summary: Option B is correct as it aligns with the need for comprehensive evaluation post-SCD. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the necessity of additional testing for proper management.
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. Severe chest pain in a patient with acute coronary syndrome post-angioplasty indicates a potential complication like stent thrombosis or re-occlusion. Immediate action is needed to assess and manage. A: Heart rate 102 bpm may be expected post-procedure. B: Pedal pulses 1+ bilaterally may indicate decreased perfusion but not an immediate threat. D: Blood pressure 103/54 mm Hg may be low but not an immediate concern unless symptomatic.