ATI RN
Cardiovascular Physiology Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 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.
Question 2 of 5
When evaluating the effectiveness of preoperative teaching with a patient scheduled for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery using the internal mammary artery, the nurse determines that additional teaching is needed when the patient says which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because incisions in the leg are not made for harvesting the internal mammary artery in CABG surgery; instead, the internal mammary artery is typically accessed through a small incision in the chest. This shows a misunderstanding of the surgical procedure. A, C, and D are incorrect: A: Correct, as it shows understanding that a heart-lung machine will circulate blood during surgery. C: Correct, as it demonstrates knowledge of using an artery near the heart for bypass. D: Correct, as it indicates awareness of postoperative medication regimen.
Question 3 of 5
When admitting a patient with a non–ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) to the intensive care unit, which action should the nurse perform first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Attach the heart monitor. This should be done first to continuously monitor the patient's heart rhythm and detect any arrhythmias or changes. Monitoring the heart is crucial in NSTEMI cases to identify any potential complications. Obtaining the blood pressure (Choice B) is important but not as urgent as monitoring the heart. Assessing peripheral pulses (Choice C) and auscultating breath sounds (Choice D) are also important assessments but do not take precedence over monitoring the heart in a NSTEMI patient.
Question 4 of 5
A client's cardiac monitor alarm sounds, indicating ventricular tachycardia. The nurse should:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the client. When a cardiac monitor alarm sounds for ventricular tachycardia, the nurse's initial action should be to assess the client to determine the client's level of consciousness, pulse quality, and overall condition. This assessment helps the nurse gather crucial information to determine the appropriate next steps and interventions. Performing immediate defibrillation (A) is not the first action as the client's status needs to be assessed first. Calling the physician (C) can cause a delay in providing immediate care, and administering a precordial thump (D) is not recommended as it may not be effective and could delay appropriate interventions.
Question 5 of 5
A client reports substernal chest pain. Test results show electrocardiographic changes and an elevated cardiac troponin level. What should be the focus of nursing care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct focus of nursing care is A: Improving myocardial oxygenation and reducing cardiac workload. Substernal chest pain with electrocardiographic changes and elevated troponin indicates a myocardial infarction. By improving oxygenation, we can help reduce myocardial damage. Reducing workload can prevent further strain on the heart. Choice B is incorrect as diagnosis is already established. Choice C is not the priority compared to addressing the physiological issue. Choice D is not directly addressing the cardiovascular problem.