ATI RN
Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client has several PVCs in a row on a standard EKG. What is this rhythm called?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ventricular tachycardia. This is because when several PVCs occur in a row on an EKG, it indicates an abnormal rhythm originating from the ventricles. Ventricular tachycardia is characterized by a rapid heart rate originating in the ventricles. A: Frequent PVCs is incorrect because it does not specify the specific rhythm pattern seen in the EKG. C: Atrial tachycardia is incorrect because the PVCs originate from the ventricles, not the atria. D: Supraventricular tachycardia is incorrect because it refers to rapid heart rhythms originating above the ventricles, typically in the atria or AV node.
Question 2 of 5
In preparation for discharge, the nurse teaches a patient with chronic stable angina how to use the prescribed short-acting and long-acting nitrates. Which patient statement indicates that the teaching has been effective?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient correctly demonstrates understanding of the correct administration of nitroglycerin. Sitting down before taking sublingual nitroglycerin helps maximize absorption and prevent dizziness due to rapid vasodilation. Choice A is incorrect as checking pulse rate is not essential for nitrate administration. Choice B is incorrect as the nitroglycerin patch should not be applied prophylactically but in response to chest pain. Choice D is incorrect as the sublingual nitroglycerin should be taken first in case of angina, and then the patch can be removed after assessing the patient's condition.
Question 3 of 5
When caring for a patient who has just arrived on the telemetry unit after having cardiac catheterization, which nursing intervention should the nurse delegate to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Give the scheduled aspirin and lipid-lowering medication. This task can be safely delegated to an LPN/LVN as it involves administering medications within their scope of practice. LPNs/LVNs are trained to administer medications and can handle routine medication administration. Performing the initial assessment of the catheter insertion site (B) requires a higher level of assessment skill typically performed by a registered nurse. Teaching the patient about the postprocedure plan of care (C) involves patient education, which is usually done by a registered nurse. Titrating the heparin infusion (D) requires advanced knowledge and skill, usually performed by a registered nurse or advanced practice nurse.
Question 4 of 5
Which patient at the cardiovascular clinic requires the most immediate action by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The patient with stable angina experiencing an increase in chest pain frequency needs immediate action to assess for potential cardiac complications. Stable angina worsening could indicate unstable angina or even impending myocardial infarction. A: The patient with type 2 diabetes and blood glucose level of 145 mg/dL is within normal range and does not require immediate action. C: The patient with familial hypercholesterolemia and high cholesterol level requires long-term management but not immediate action unless experiencing acute symptoms. D: The patient with chronic hypertension and elevated blood pressure needs monitoring and possibly adjustment of medications, but it is not as urgent as the worsening chest pain in the patient with stable angina.
Question 5 of 5
A client has developed acute pulmonary edema. Which test result should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Interstitial edema by chest X-ray. Pulmonary edema causes fluid accumulation in the lungs' interstitial spaces, visible on X-ray. Choice B is incorrect as pulmonary edema typically leads to respiratory acidosis, not metabolic alkalosis (Choice B). Choice C is incorrect as bradycardia is not a typical manifestation of acute pulmonary edema. Choice D is incorrect as pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is usually elevated in pulmonary edema, not decreased. Thus, the most appropriate test to confirm acute pulmonary edema is a chest X-ray showing interstitial edema.