ATI RN
Cardiovascular Physiology Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client is given low molecular weight heparin at home. In teaching the client, the nurse explains that the drug works by doing what?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inactivates clotting factor Xa. Low molecular weight heparin works by binding to antithrombin III, which in turn inactivates factor Xa, leading to inhibition of the coagulation cascade. This helps prevent the formation of blood clots. Choice A is incorrect because heparin does not act as an anti-platelet agent. Choice C is incorrect because heparin does not directly inactivate thrombin. Choice D is incorrect because heparin does not directly increase fibrinolysis.
Question 2 of 5
The client is taking niacin for cholesterol reduction. What common adverse reaction should the nurse warn the client about?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Facial flushing. Niacin commonly causes vasodilation, leading to facial flushing. This is a well-known adverse reaction that can be distressing to clients. Dizziness (A), urinary retention (B), and constipation (C) are not typically associated with niacin use. It is important for the nurse to educate the client about this side effect to help manage expectations and promote adherence to the treatment plan.
Question 3 of 5
The client has a sudden increase in heart rate and cardiac contractility. What part of the client’s body is likely activated?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: The sympathetic nervous system. When the client experiences a sudden increase in heart rate and contractility, the sympathetic nervous system is likely activated. This is because the sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, which increases heart rate and contractility to prepare the body for action. The other choices are incorrect because: A: The parasympathetic nervous system would have the opposite effect, slowing down heart rate and contractility. B: The AV node is a part of the heart's electrical conduction system, not directly involved in increasing heart rate and contractility. C: Baroreceptors in the carotid sinus are responsible for regulating blood pressure, not directly influencing heart rate and contractility.
Question 4 of 5
The client has atrial fibrillation. What can the nurse say about the P wave?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The P wave is absent. In atrial fibrillation, the atria are quivering and not contracting effectively, leading to the absence of distinct P waves on the ECG. This is due to the chaotic electrical activity in the atria. Rationale: A: The P wave does not precede a long PR interval in atrial fibrillation. Instead, the irregular electrical signals cause variable PR intervals. B: The P wave falling on the previous T wave is not a characteristic of atrial fibrillation. The T wave represents ventricular repolarization, whereas the P wave reflects atrial depolarization. D: The P wave being peaked is not relevant to atrial fibrillation. In this arrhythmia, the absence of distinct P waves is a key feature due to the erratic atrial activity.
Question 5 of 5
The client is having an exercise echocardiogram. What is a nursing instruction for this test?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. During an exercise echocardiogram, the client will indeed run on a treadmill to stress the heart and then have an echocardiogram while the heart is still elevated. This allows healthcare providers to assess the heart's function under stress. Choice A is incorrect as the client needs to be active during the test. Choice C is incorrect as lying on the right side is not a standard position for this procedure. Choice D is incorrect because electrocardiographic monitoring is typically used during this test to track the heart's electrical activity.