ATI RN
Med Surg Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client has symptomatic sinus bradycardia. Which is the drug of choice to treat this condition?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Sinus bradycardia is a condition characterized by a slow heart rate. Step 2: Atropine is the drug of choice for symptomatic sinus bradycardia as it blocks the parasympathetic stimulation, increasing heart rate. Step 3: Quinidine, Adenosine, and Procainamide are not appropriate for treating sinus bradycardia. Summary: Atropine increases heart rate by blocking parasympathetic stimulation, making it the ideal choice for symptomatic sinus bradycardia. Quinidine, Adenosine, and Procainamide are not indicated for this condition.
Question 2 of 5
A patient who has had chest pain for several hours is admitted with a diagnosis of rule out acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to best determine whether the patient has had an AMI?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Cardiac-specific troponin. Troponin is a sensitive and specific marker for myocardial injury. It rises within 3-4 hours of an AMI and remains elevated for up to 2 weeks. Monitoring troponin levels helps in confirming the diagnosis of AMI. Myoglobin is less specific and elevates early but lacks specificity for cardiac damage. Homocysteine and C-reactive protein are markers for cardiovascular risk but are not specific for AMI.
Question 3 of 5
Three days after experiencing a myocardial infarction (MI), a patient who is scheduled for discharge asks for assistance with hygiene activities, saying, “I am too nervous about my heart to be alone while I get washed up.” Based on this information, which nursing diagnosis is appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anxiety related to change in health status. The patient's statement indicates fear and nervousness about their heart health, which aligns with anxiety. Activity intolerance (A) is not supported as the patient is seeking assistance for hygiene, not physical activity. Denial (C) is not appropriate as the patient acknowledges their nervousness about the heart. Altered body image (D) is not relevant based on the information provided.
Question 4 of 5
Which electrocardiographic (ECG) change is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider when caring for a patient with chest pain?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: ST-segment elevation. This ECG change is crucial to report because it indicates myocardial injury, often seen in acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). It requires immediate medical attention to prevent further damage to the heart. Inverted P wave (A) is commonly seen in conditions like atrial enlargement and is not typically associated with acute cardiac events. Sinus tachycardia (B) is a normal response to stress or physical activity and may not necessarily indicate a serious issue. First-degree atrioventricular block (D) is a relatively benign condition that usually does not require urgent intervention. In summary, ST-segment elevation is the most concerning ECG change due to its association with acute myocardial infarction, requiring prompt medical intervention.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with diabetes mellitus and chronic stable angina has a new order for captopril . The nurse should teach the patient that the primary purpose of captopril is to
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: prevent changes in heart muscle. Captopril is an ACE inhibitor that helps prevent remodeling of the heart muscle in patients with conditions like chronic stable angina and diabetes mellitus. This drug does not directly affect heart rate (A), blood glucose levels (B), or the frequency of chest pain (D). By inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, captopril can reduce the strain on the heart and prevent adverse changes in heart structure and function over time. This is crucial in managing conditions like chronic stable angina and diabetes mellitus to prevent complications such as heart failure.