ATI RN
ATI Med Surg Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client has been prescribed an organic nitrate for angina. What affect does this class of drugs have on the heart?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreases preload. Organic nitrates work by dilating veins, which results in decreased venous return to the heart, leading to reduced preload. This reduces the workload on the heart and oxygen demand, helping to relieve angina symptoms. Incorrect choices: B: Increases afterload - Organic nitrates do not increase afterload. They primarily affect preload by dilating veins. C: Constricts arterioles - Organic nitrates actually dilate arterioles, leading to decreased systemic vascular resistance. D: Increases preload - Organic nitrates decrease preload by dilating veins, resulting in decreased venous return to the heart.
Question 2 of 5
The client is being given Pradaxa (dabigatran). The nurse knows that the mechanism of action of this drug is what?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice B: 1. Pradaxa is a direct thrombin inhibitor. 2. Thrombin is a key enzyme in the blood clotting process. 3. By directly inhibiting thrombin, Pradaxa prevents the formation of blood clots. 4. This mechanism differs from antiplatelet drugs (A), fibrinolytic medications (C), and clotting factor production interference (D). Summary: - Choice A is incorrect as Pradaxa does not affect platelets directly. - Choice C is incorrect as Pradaxa does not promote the breakdown of clots like fibrinolytics. - Choice D is incorrect as Pradaxa does not interfere with the production of clotting factors.
Question 3 of 5
The client is on streptokinase for a blood clot. What adverse reaction should the nurse be looking out for?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Antibody production against the streptokinase. Streptokinase is a foreign protein that can trigger an immune response leading to the production of antibodies. This can result in an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Pulmonary embolism (choice A) and acute myocardial infarction (choice B) are not adverse reactions specific to streptokinase. Acute gastric irritation (choice D) is also not a common adverse reaction of streptokinase therapy.
Question 4 of 5
The client has been started on Zetia (exetimibe). The nurse knows that the mechanism of action of this drug is what?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B - It inhibits absorption of cholesterol in the small intestines. Rationale: Zetia (exetimibe) works by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestines, leading to decreased levels of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. By preventing the uptake of dietary cholesterol, Zetia helps lower overall cholesterol levels. This mechanism differs from choices A, C, and D, as Zetia does not affect cholesterol synthesis by the liver (A), increase LDL cholesterol production (C), or alter the ratio of HDL to LDL cholesterol (D). Therefore, the correct answer is B.
Question 5 of 5
The client is having a standard electrocardiogram. The nurse knows that the P wave represents what?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Atrial depolarization. The P wave on an ECG represents the electrical activity associated with atrial depolarization, specifically the contraction of the atria. This is the first wave seen on an ECG and indicates the initiation of the cardiac cycle. Ventricular depolarization, represented by the QRS complex, occurs after the P wave. Ventricular repolarization, represented by the T wave, occurs after ventricular depolarization. Atrial repolarization is not typically seen on a standard ECG as it is masked by the QRS complex.