ATI RN
ATI Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client is given a calcium channel blocker. Calcium channel blockers have what effect on the heart?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because calcium channel blockers decrease the velocity of electrical activity on the AV node, which results in a decreased heart rate and reduced conduction through the AV node. This action helps in treating conditions like hypertension and angina. A: Incorrect. Calcium channel blockers do not increase the preload on the heart; they actually reduce the workload of the heart by decreasing afterload. C: Incorrect. Calcium channel blockers do not block sodium channels in the heart muscle; they specifically target calcium channels. D: Incorrect. Calcium channel blockers do not cause vasoconstriction of coronary arteries; they often lead to vasodilation, improving coronary blood flow.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the client’s medication list. Calcium channel blockers have a significant drug-drug interaction with what?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Digoxin. Calcium channel blockers can increase digoxin levels, leading to toxicity. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside, and concurrent use with calcium channel blockers can potentiate its effects. The other choices (B, C, D) do not have significant drug interactions with calcium channel blockers. Theophylline is metabolized by CYP1A2, hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, and fentanyl is an opioid.
Question 3 of 5
The client has stable angina. What class of drug is used to treat angina? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Organic nitrates. Organic nitrates are vasodilators that help dilate blood vessels, reducing the workload of the heart and improving blood flow to the heart muscle, thus relieving angina symptoms. Digoxin (A) is used for heart failure and arrhythmias, not angina. Adenosine (C) is used for supraventricular tachycardia, not angina. Beta blockers (D) are also used for angina, but organic nitrates are the first-line treatment due to their rapid onset of action in relieving angina symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
The client is on IV heparin. You explain that this drug does what?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because heparin works by inactivating clotting factors, specifically by enhancing the activity of antithrombin III which in turn inhibits thrombin and factor Xa. This mechanism prevents the formation of fibrin clots. A: Incorrect. Heparin does not act as an antiplatelet drug; it primarily affects clotting factors. B: Incorrect. Heparin does not directly decrease the synthesis of clotting factors. D: Incorrect. Heparin does not directly promote the lysis of fibrin; it prevents the formation of fibrin clots.
Question 5 of 5
Priority nursing interventions when a client is being given warfarin include what?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Monitor the INR. The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is crucial for monitoring warfarin therapy as it assesses the client's clotting time. INR values within the therapeutic range indicate the efficacy and safety of warfarin. Monitoring blood pressure (A) is important but not a priority for warfarin therapy. Monitoring vitamin K level (B) is unnecessary as warfarin inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Monitoring warfarin level (C) is not routinely done as INR is a more accurate reflection of its effect.