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 as beta blockers can lower heart rate. Checking the apical pulse for one minute provides an accurate assessment of the client's baseline heart rate. This allows the nurse to identify any bradycardia or irregularities that may require the dose to be withheld or adjusted. Summary: B: Checking a potassium level is not directly related to the administration of a beta blocker. C: Checking a blood glucose level is not typically required before administering a beta blocker. D: Checking the pedal pulses is not as relevant as assessing the client's heart rate when 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 increase cardiac output by pumping more blood with each heartbeat, compensating for the decreased output. Decreasing heart rate (choice A) would further reduce cardiac output. Increased blood volume (choice C) can increase preload and cardiac output, but only if the heart is able to handle the increased volume. Decreased venous return (choice D) would decrease preload and subsequently cardiac output. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate option to increase cardiac output in this scenario.
Question 3 of 5
The client is being taught about their warfarin. What does the nurse say about warfarin?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because warfarin antagonizes vitamin K, essential for clotting factor production. This leads to reduced clotting factor synthesis, preventing blood clots. Option B is incorrect as warfarin doesn't act as an antiplatelet drug but affects clotting factors. Option C is incorrect as warfarin doesn't cause fibrinolysis but hinders clot formation. Option D is incorrect as warfarin doesn't directly inactivate clotting factors, but rather interferes with their production.
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. It is crucial to withhold Ticlid on the day of surgery to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding during the procedure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because taking Ticlid on the day of surgery or stopping it too far in advance can lead to increased bleeding risks. Stopping Ticlid a month before surgery (C) is unnecessary and can increase the risk of clot formation. Stopping Ticlid 7 days before surgery (D) is also too close to the surgery date and may not provide enough time for the medication to clear the system, potentially leading to increased bleeding risks.
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 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.