ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client is being given a beta blocker. What must the nurse do prior to giving the drug?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Check the apical pulse for one minute. Before administering a beta blocker, it is essential to assess the client's heart rate because beta blockers can slow down the heart rate. Checking the apical pulse for one minute allows the nurse to establish a baseline heart rate and determine if the client's heart rate is within the safe parameters for administering the medication. This step ensures the client's safety and helps monitor for any potential adverse effects related to bradycardia. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not directly related to the specific action required prior to administering a beta blocker.
Question 2 of 5
The client has a decreased cardiac output. Which things can increase the client’s cardiac output? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased heart rate. Increasing heart rate can help compensate for decreased cardiac output by improving the heart's efficiency in pumping blood. This allows for more blood to be pumped out of the heart per minute, ultimately increasing cardiac output. Decreased heart rate (choice A) would further decrease cardiac output by reducing the number of heartbeats per minute. Increased blood volume (choice C) can lead to increased preload and potentially worsen cardiac output in a compromised heart. Decreased venous return to the heart (choice D) reduces the amount of blood returning to the heart, which can also decrease cardiac output.
Question 3 of 5
The client is being taught about their warfarin. What does the nurse say about warfarin?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (A): Warfarin antagonizes vitamin K, inhibiting the production of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. This action leads to decreased blood clotting ability. Summary for Incorrect Choices: B: Warfarin is not an antiplatelet drug; it works by affecting clotting factors, not platelets. C: Warfarin does not cause fibrinolysis (breakdown of blood clots); it inhibits clotting factor production. D: Warfarin does not directly inactivate clotting factors; it interferes with their synthesis through vitamin K antagonism.
Question 4 of 5
The client is taking Ticlid and is anticipating surgery. What does the nurse advice the client to do about taking the Ticlid around the time of surgery?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ticlid should be withheld on the day of surgery. Ticlid is an antiplatelet medication that can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Withholding it on the day of surgery helps reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during the procedure. Choice B is incorrect because taking Ticlid on the day of surgery can increase the risk of bleeding complications. Choice C is incorrect because stopping Ticlid a month before surgery may not be necessary and can increase the risk of thrombotic events if the client has a history of cardiovascular issues. Choice D is incorrect because stopping Ticlid 7 days prior to surgery may not be sufficient to prevent bleeding complications during the procedure.
Question 5 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 decreasing triglyceride levels. It does not directly reduce cholesterol levels (A), destabilize cholesterol plaques (B), or prevent a recurrent MI (C). Lowering triglyceride levels helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, the explanation that gemfibrozil lowers triglyceride levels aligns with its mechanism of action and therapeutic effects.