ATI RN
Cardiovascular Physiology Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client is on digoxin has severe digoxin toxicity. What is the nursing priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B - Give Digibind as an antidote. This is the priority action because Digibind is the specific antidote for digoxin toxicity, effectively binding to digoxin and reversing its toxic effects. Checking a potassium level (A) may be important, but addressing the toxicity is the priority. Changing dosing (C) or giving potassium supplement (D) do not directly address the toxicity and may delay appropriate treatment.
Question 2 of 5
The client is taking a calcium channel blocker for arrhythmias. What class of anti-arrhythmic agent is this?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Class IV. Calcium channel blockers, such as verapamil and diltiazem, belong to Class IV anti-arrhythmic agents. These drugs work by blocking calcium channels in cardiac cells, leading to decreased conduction through the AV node and slowing of the heart rate. This is particularly effective in treating arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: A: Class IA agents (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) block sodium channels and have effects on potassium channels, not calcium channels. B: Class II agents (e.g., beta blockers) work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, not calcium channels. C: Class III agents (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) primarily block potassium channels, not calcium channels, to prolong repolarization.
Question 3 of 5
Which food supplement should the nurse be concerned about in a client taking an ACE inhibitor?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Potassium chloride. ACE inhibitors can cause potassium levels to increase, leading to hyperkalemia. Potassium chloride is a potassium supplement that can further elevate potassium levels, potentially causing adverse effects. Sodium chloride (A) does not directly impact potassium levels. Cayenne pepper (C) and ground black pepper (D) are not known to interact significantly with ACE inhibitors. Hence, the nurse should be concerned about the client taking potassium chloride while on an ACE inhibitor to avoid complications related to hyperkalemia.
Question 4 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 and inactivating factor Xa, which is essential in the coagulation cascade. This inhibits the formation of new clots. Choice A is incorrect because heparin does not directly act as an anti-platelet agent. Choice C is incorrect as heparin does not directly inactivate thrombin. Choice D is incorrect as heparin does not directly increase fibrinolysis.
Question 5 of 5
The client is taking a medication that is an ADP receptor blocker for the prevention of ischemic stroke. What might this medication be?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Plavix. Plavix is an ADP receptor blocker that inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of blood clot formation and preventing ischemic stroke. Aspirin (A) is an antiplatelet agent but works through a different mechanism. Heparin (B) is an anticoagulant that works by inhibiting thrombin and factor Xa, not through ADP receptor blocking. Warfarin (C) is a vitamin K antagonist that interferes with the synthesis of clotting factors, also not through ADP receptor blocking.