ATI RN
Cardiovascular Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client has been found to have a normal cardiac output. What value represents a normal cardiac output?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C (4 l/min) as it represents the normal cardiac output value for an average adult at rest. Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute. Normal cardiac output ranges from 4-8 liters per minute in adults. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they fall below or exceed the normal range, indicating either insufficient or excessive blood being pumped by the heart, which can lead to health issues.
Question 2 of 5
When developing a teaching plan for a 61-yr-old patient with multiple risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), the nurse should focus primarily on the
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level. This is the most critical factor to focus on when developing a teaching plan for a patient with multiple risk factors for CAD. Elevated LDL is a major contributor to the development of atherosclerosis, a key process in CAD. Lowering LDL through lifestyle modifications or medication can significantly reduce the risk of CAD. A: Family history is important but cannot be modified. C: Gender is a non-modifiable risk factor and may play a role but is not as directly impactful as elevated LDL. D: While age is a risk factor for CAD, it is not as modifiable as lowering LDL levels. In summary, focusing on controlling the elevated LDL level through lifestyle changes and medication will have the most significant impact on reducing the patient's risk for CAD.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.