ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client is on a nitrate for angina. What is the most common side effect the nurse should monitor for?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Headache. Nitrate medications vasodilate blood vessels, including those in the brain, which can lead to headaches. It is the most common side effect and often subsides with continued use. Flushing is also a common side effect but not as prevalent as headaches. Dizziness and nausea are less common side effects associated with nitrates and are usually seen in a smaller percentage of patients compared to headaches. Monitoring for headaches is crucial to ensure patient comfort and compliance with the medication regimen.
Question 2 of 5
The client on furosemide (Lasix) has a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, a common side effect of furosemide. Administering a potassium supplement is essential to prevent complications like cardiac dysrhythmias. Choice B is incorrect because holding furosemide can worsen the client's condition. Choice C is incorrect as continuing the current dose can further lower potassium levels. Choice D is incorrect as Digibind is used to treat digoxin toxicity, not hypokalemia. Administering a potassium supplement addresses the underlying issue.
Question 3 of 5
The client on amiodarone develops symptoms of hypothyroidism. What is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is C: Monitor the client's thyroid function tests regularly. This is the best approach because amiodarone can cause hypothyroidism, so monitoring thyroid function tests allows early detection and appropriate management. Option A is not necessary unless the client presents with severe symptoms. Option B is incorrect as hypothyroidism is a serious side effect that requires monitoring and possible treatment adjustments. Option D is not recommended as abruptly stopping amiodarone can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Regular monitoring ensures timely intervention if thyroid levels are abnormal.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is monitoring a client on dobutamine. What adverse effect should the nurse watch for?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tachycardia. Dobutamine is a beta-adrenergic agonist that stimulates the heart, increasing heart rate and contractility. Therefore, tachycardia is an expected adverse effect. Bradycardia (B) would be unlikely due to dobutamine's cardiac stimulant effects. Hypertension (C) could occur but is less common than tachycardia. Respiratory distress (D) is not a common adverse effect of dobutamine.
Question 5 of 5
The client is on amiodarone and reports blurred vision. What is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because blurred vision can be a serious side effect of amiodarone indicating potential optic nerve damage. Instructing the client to report this symptom to the healthcare provider immediately is crucial for further evaluation and management. Choice A is incorrect as blurred vision should not be dismissed as a common side effect. Choices C and D are incorrect as advising the client to stop or discontinue the medication abruptly can be harmful and should only be done under healthcare provider guidance.