ATI RN
Physical Exam Cardiovascular System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client is on a calcium channel blocker. What is the expected effect on the heart?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreased blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers inhibit the entry of calcium into cardiac muscle cells, leading to relaxation of blood vessels and decreased cardiac contractility. This results in vasodilation and decreased cardiac output, ultimately lowering blood pressure. Choice A is incorrect as calcium channel blockers typically lead to decreased heart rate due to reduced contractility. Choice B is incorrect as calcium channel blockers do not increase heart rate. Choice C is incorrect as the vasodilatory effect of calcium channel blockers typically leads to decreased blood pressure, not increased.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is administering digoxin to a client. What is the most important parameter to check before administration?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart rate. Before administering digoxin, it is crucial to check the client's heart rate because digoxin is a medication that affects the heart. Monitoring the heart rate helps assess the client's cardiac function and determines if the medication can be safely given. Checking heart rate ensures that the client is not at risk for potential adverse effects such as bradycardia or arrhythmias. Blood pressure (B), respiratory rate (C), and oxygen saturation (D) are important parameters to monitor but are not as directly related to the action of digoxin on the heart.
Question 3 of 5
The client on digoxin has a potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity as hypokalemia potentiates its effects. Holding the digoxin and informing the healthcare provider allows for further assessment and possible adjustment of the medication regimen. Administering a potassium supplement (A) without adjusting the digoxin dose can still lead to toxicity. Continuing the current digoxin dose (C) without addressing the low potassium level puts the client at risk. Administering Digibind (D) is not necessary at this point as the priority is to address the low potassium level and prevent digoxin toxicity.
Question 4 of 5
The client is prescribed warfarin. What should the client be taught about this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid foods high in vitamin K. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that works by decreasing the blood's ability to clot. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, so consuming foods high in vitamin K can interfere with the medication's effectiveness. It is important for the client to maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K to ensure the medication works properly. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because taking warfarin with food, at the same time daily, or increasing the dose if a dose is missed can result in adverse effects or reduced effectiveness of the medication.
Question 5 of 5
A client on an ACE inhibitor reports a persistent cough. What is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a persistent cough could indicate a serious side effect of ACE inhibitors, such as angioedema or bronchospasm. Instructing the client to report the cough to the healthcare provider is crucial to evaluate the need to discontinue the medication. Choice A is incorrect as it downplays the potential seriousness of the cough. Choice C is incorrect because a humidifier may not address the underlying cause of the cough. Choice D is incorrect because using a cough suppressant without proper evaluation can mask symptoms of a serious side effect.