ATI RN
Cardiovascular Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client has atrial fibrillation. The treatment of choice to convert to normal sinus rhythm is what?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cardioversion. Cardioversion is the treatment of choice to electrically or pharmacologically convert atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm. Digoxin (A) is used for rate control, not rhythm conversion. Metoprolol (C) is a beta-blocker that helps control heart rate but does not convert rhythm. Verapamil (D) is a calcium channel blocker that can worsen atrial fibrillation and is contraindicated for rhythm conversion.
Question 2 of 5
Heparin is ordered for a patient with a non–ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). What is the purpose of the heparin?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Heparin prevents the development of new clots in the coronary arteries. Heparin is commonly used in NSTEMI to prevent the formation of new clots, which can worsen the blockage in the coronary arteries. It does not enhance platelet aggregation (A), decrease plaque size (B), or dissolve existing clots (D). Preventing new clots is crucial in NSTEMI to avoid further ischemia and potential complications.
Question 3 of 5
A patient who is recovering from an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) asks the nurse when sexual intercourse can be resumed. Which response by the nurse is best?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Sexual activity uses about as much energy as climbing two flights of stairs. This response is best because it provides the patient with a tangible comparison to understand the energy expenditure involved in sexual activity post-AMI. It reassures the patient that resuming sexual activity is feasible and not overly strenuous on the heart. Choice A is incorrect because it oversimplifies the potential complications that can arise during sexual intercourse post-AMI. Choice C is incorrect as it defers the responsibility to the doctor without providing immediate guidance to the patient. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the patient's query about the timing of resuming sexual activity post-AMI.
Question 4 of 5
Which information about a patient who has been receiving thrombolytic therapy for an acute myocardial infarction is most important for the nurse to communicate to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: No change in the patient’s reported level of chest pain. This is the most important information to communicate as it could indicate a lack of effectiveness of the thrombolytic therapy in relieving the myocardial infarction symptoms. The other choices are less critical: A could be expected due to the nature of myocardial infarction, B could be a common side effect of IV insertion, and D could indicate a positive response to the therapy. It is essential to prioritize the patient's symptoms and response to treatment when communicating with the healthcare provider.
Question 5 of 5
A complication of peripheral vascular disease may be:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: stasis ulcer. Peripheral vascular disease causes poor blood flow to extremities, leading to tissue damage and delayed wound healing. Stasis ulcers occur due to decreased circulation, typically on lower legs. Pressure ulcers (B) result from prolonged pressure on skin, not directly related to vascular disease. Gastric (C) and duodenal (D) ulcers are gastrointestinal issues, not associated with peripheral vascular disease.