ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client has been prescribed gemfibrozil. The nurse explains the function of the drug as what?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: It lowers triglyceride levels. Gemfibrozil is a fibric acid derivative that primarily works by lowering triglyceride levels. It does not directly reduce cholesterol levels (A), destabilize cholesterol plaques (B), or prevent a recurrent MI (C). It is important to understand the specific mechanism of action of gemfibrozil to provide accurate patient education.
Question 2 of 5
The client has a heart rate of 40 with electrical activity beginning at the AV node. What type of rhythm is the client having?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Junctional escape rhythm. With a heart rate of 40 and electrical activity starting at the AV node, it indicates a slow heart rate originating from the junctional tissue. This rhythm is considered an escape rhythm when the SA node fails to initiate an impulse. A: Normal sinus rhythm is characterized by a heart rate of 60-100 bpm originating from the SA node. B: Atrial flutter is a rapid regular atrial rhythm with a rate typically between 250-350 bpm. C: Atrial fibrillation is characterized by rapid and irregular atrial activity, not a slow rhythm like in this case.
Question 3 of 5
Which nursing intervention is likely to be most effective when assisting the patient with coronary artery disease to make appropriate dietary changes?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Help the patient modify favorite high-fat recipes by using monounsaturated oils. This answer is correct because it focuses on practical and sustainable dietary changes by modifying existing favorite recipes to make them healthier. By using monounsaturated oils instead of saturated fats, the patient can still enjoy their favorite foods while making positive changes to their diet. Option A is too restrictive in eliminating all saturated fats and may not be sustainable for the patient in the long term. Option C focuses on fear-based motivation, which is not always effective in promoting behavior change. Option D gives a list of foods without addressing how the patient can make practical changes in their meal preparation. Overall, option B is the most effective as it encourages gradual and realistic changes in the patient's diet.
Question 4 of 5
When titrating IV nitroglycerin for a patient with a myocardial infarction (MI), which action will the nurse take to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ask about chest pain. This is because nitroglycerin is primarily used to relieve chest pain associated with myocardial infarction. By asking the patient about chest pain, the nurse can assess if the medication is effectively relieving the symptoms. Monitoring heart rate (A), checking blood pressure (C), and observing for dysrhythmias (D) are important assessments during nitroglycerin therapy, but they do not directly evaluate the effectiveness of the drug in relieving chest pain, which is the primary goal in this scenario.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with hyperlipidemia has a new order for colesevelam (Welchol). Which nursing action is appropriate when scheduling this medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Have the patient take the colesevelam 1 hour before breakfast. This medication should be taken with a meal and plenty of water to prevent gastrointestinal side effects. Taking it before breakfast ensures adequate absorption and efficacy. A: Administering the medication at bedtime may not provide optimal absorption as it should be taken with a meal. C: Giving other medications 2 hours after colesevelam is not necessary, as there are no known interactions requiring such spacing. D: Taking colesevelam with aspirin may reduce the effectiveness of both medications as they may bind to each other.