ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client is on enoxaparin (Lovenox) for DVT prophylaxis. What is the most important lab value to monitor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count. Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin that can cause thrombocytopenia, a potentially serious side effect. Monitoring platelet count is crucial to detect any decrease, as it may increase the risk of bleeding. PT/INR and aPTT are used to monitor warfarin and heparin, respectively, not enoxaparin. Hemoglobin monitoring is important for anemia but not the most crucial lab value in this scenario.
Question 2 of 5
When monitoring a client on dobutamine, what is the most important parameter to assess?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure. When monitoring a client on dobutamine, the most important parameter to assess is blood pressure because dobutamine is a medication that increases heart contractility, potentially leading to increased cardiac output and subsequent changes in blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure helps to ensure that the medication is having the desired effect without causing adverse effects such as hypertension or hypotension. Heart rate (B) can be influenced by dobutamine but is not as critical as blood pressure. Oxygen saturation (C) and respiratory rate (D) are important parameters to monitor in general but are not directly influenced by dobutamine.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client on heparin. What is the most important lab value to monitor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: aPTT. This lab value is crucial for monitoring heparin therapy as it measures the effectiveness of the medication in preventing blood clots. Monitoring aPTT helps ensure the client is within the therapeutic range to prevent bleeding or clotting complications. Incorrect choices: B: INR is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin. C: Platelet count is important, but aPTT is more directly related to heparin therapy. D: Hemoglobin is important for assessing anemia but not specific to monitoring heparin therapy.
Question 4 of 5
The client on amiodarone reports shortness of breath. What is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Notify the healthcare provider immediately. Shortness of breath in a client on amiodarone can indicate a serious side effect such as pulmonary toxicity or interstitial lung disease. The nurse should prioritize the client's safety by promptly informing the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. This is crucial to prevent potential harm or worsening of the condition. Summary: - Choice B is incorrect because shortness of breath with amiodarone is not a common side effect to be reassured about. - Choice C is incorrect as monitoring symptoms at home may delay necessary medical intervention. - Choice D is incorrect as reducing physical activity does not address the potential serious side effect of amiodarone.
Question 5 of 5
The client is on warfarin and has an INR of 1.5. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hold the next dose of warfarin. With an INR of 1.5, the client's blood is not adequately anticoagulated, increasing the risk of blood clots. Holding the next dose will prevent further thinning of blood and allow the INR to increase to the target range. Increasing the dose (A) could lead to over-anticoagulation, risking bleeding. Continuing the current dose (C) maintains inadequate anticoagulation. Monitoring (D) is important, but the immediate action should be to hold the next dose.