ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 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 2 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.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing the client’s capillary refill. A normal capillary refill time is what?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Less than 1 second. Capillary refill time is a measure of peripheral perfusion. A normal capillary refill time is less than 1 second, indicating adequate blood flow to the capillaries. If capillary refill takes longer than 1 second, it may suggest poor perfusion. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they exceed the normal capillary refill time, indicating decreased perfusion and potential circulatory compromise.
Question 4 of 5
The client has a heart rate of 40 with electrical activity beginning at the AV node. What type of rhythm is the client having?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Junctional escape rhythm. A heart rate of 40 with electrical activity starting at the AV node indicates a slow rhythm originating from the junctional tissue. In this case, the AV node is acting as the escape pacemaker, generating electrical impulses to maintain the heart rate. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Normal sinus rhythm typically has a heart rate between 60-100 bpm. B: Atrial flutter presents with a rapid, regular atrial rate between 250-400 bpm. C: Atrial fibrillation shows chaotic and irregular electrical activity in the atria, not a slow heart rate.
Question 5 of 5
Which nursing intervention is likely to be most effective when assisting the patient with coronary artery disease to make appropriate dietary changes?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Help the patient modify favorite high-fat recipes by using monounsaturated oils. Rationale: 1. Modifying favorite recipes helps ensure compliance as the patient is more likely to enjoy the food. 2. Using monounsaturated oils is healthier than saturated fats, supporting cardiovascular health. 3. This intervention promotes gradual and sustainable dietary changes, increasing long-term success. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A. Eliminating all saturated fats and salt may be too restrictive and difficult to maintain. C. Focusing on risks alone may not motivate the patient effectively without practical guidance. D. Providing a list of foods may not address the patient's preferences or help them apply changes to their daily meals effectively.