ATI RN
Med Surg Cardiovascular Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client is being given nitroprusside to lower the blood pressure. The nurse explains to the client that the drug works how?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: It relaxes vascular smooth muscle. Nitroprusside is a vasodilator that works by directly relaxing the smooth muscle in blood vessels, leading to vasodilation and subsequently lowering blood pressure. This mechanism of action is essential in treating hypertension. Incorrect choices: A: It blocks conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II - This is not the mechanism of action of nitroprusside. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors work by inhibiting this conversion. B: It blocks the calcium channels in the blood vessels - This is the mechanism of action of calcium channel blockers, not nitroprusside. D: It blocks the sodium channels in the heart - This is not the mechanism of action of nitroprusside. Sodium channel blockers are used in antiarrhythmic medications.
Question 2 of 5
The client is taking a glycoprotein IIB/IIIA receptor antagonist for the prevention of stroke. What drug is the client likely taking?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Abciximab. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists like abciximab are potent antiplatelet agents used for preventing thrombotic events like stroke. Abciximab specifically inhibits platelet aggregation by binding to the IIb/IIIa receptor. Plavix (A) and Ticlid (B) are antiplatelet drugs, but they work through different mechanisms and do not target the IIb/IIIa receptor. Aspirin (C) is also an antiplatelet agent, but it inhibits cyclooxygenase and is not a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist like abciximab.
Question 3 of 5
The client is taking gemfibrozil. What drug-drug interaction does the nurse tell the client about?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because gemfibrozil can potentiate the hypoglycemic effect of sulfonylurea drugs, leading to low blood sugar levels. This interaction is important to prevent hypoglycemia in patients taking both medications. Other choices are incorrect because gemfibrozil does not significantly affect digoxin levels (A), theophylline levels (C), or interact with cimetidine (D) in a clinically significant manner.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing the client’s aortic valve. Where is the stethoscope placed to best hear the aortic valve?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Second intercostal space to the right of the sternum. This is where the aortic valve can best be auscultated. Step-by-step rationale: 1. The aortic valve is located in the second intercostal space on the right side of the sternum. 2. Placing the stethoscope at this location allows for optimal sound transmission of the aortic valve. 3. This area corresponds to the anatomical location of the aortic valve, making it the most accurate site for assessment. Summary of other choices: B: Second intercostal space to the left of the sternum - Incorrect as the aortic valve is on the right side. C: Fourth intercostal space to the left of the sternum - Incorrect, as this is the location for the mitral valve. D: Fifth intercostal space in the midclavicular line - Incorrect, as this is the location for the mitral valve.
Question 5 of 5
The client has an EKG showing a gradually lengthening PR interval and a dropped QRS at the longest PR interval. What rhythm does the client have?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Third degree AV block. In this condition, there is complete dissociation between the atria and ventricles, leading to a gradual lengthening of the PR interval and eventual dropped QRS complex. This indicates that the atria and ventricles are beating independently. Type 2 second degree AV block (B) presents with intermittent dropped QRS complexes without PR interval prolongation. Type 1 second degree AV block (C) displays a progressive prolongation of the PR interval until a dropped QRS complex occurs. Junctional escape rhythm (D) would not be consistent with the EKG findings of a gradually lengthening PR interval.