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, leading to a decreased heart rate and reduced conduction through the AV node. This results in a negative chronotropic effect, slowing down the heart rate. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Calcium channel blockers do not increase preload on the heart. They may actually reduce preload by dilating blood vessels. C: Calcium channel blockers do not block sodium channels in the heart muscle; they specifically target calcium channels. D: Calcium channel blockers do not cause vasoconstriction of coronary arteries; they often have vasodilatory effects on coronary arteries.
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 and calcium channel blockers both affect heart function, so combining them can cause arrhythmias. The other choices do not have a significant interaction with calcium channel blockers. Theophylline interacts with beta-blockers, hydrochlorothiazide interacts with lithium, and fentanyl interacts with other CNS depressants.
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 relax and widen blood vessels, reducing the workload on 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 to treat angina by reducing heart rate and blood pressure, but organic nitrates are the first-line treatment for stable angina.
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 inhibits factors IIa (thrombin) and Xa. This prevents the formation of blood clots. Option A is incorrect because heparin does not act as an antiplatelet drug. Option B is incorrect because heparin does not decrease the synthesis of clotting factors. Option D is incorrect because heparin does not directly promote the lysis of fibrin.
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 in monitoring the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. Maintaining the INR within the therapeutic range is essential to prevent clotting or bleeding. Monitoring blood pressure (A) is important but not specific to warfarin therapy. Monitoring vitamin K levels (B) is unnecessary as warfarin works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Monitoring warfarin levels (C) is not typically done as INR is a more accurate reflection of its effects. Therefore, monitoring the INR is the priority intervention for clients on warfarin therapy.