ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client is taking a calcium channel blocker for an arrhythmia. What is a contraindication to giving the client this drug?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Wolff-Parkinson White syndrome. Calcium channel blockers can worsen the pre-excitation in patients with WPW syndrome, leading to rapid conduction through the accessory pathway and potentially causing ventricular fibrillation. A: Hypertension is not a contraindication for calcium channel blockers as they are commonly used to treat hypertension. B: First degree AV block is not a contraindication, as calcium channel blockers can be used cautiously in patients with conduction abnormalities. D: Glaucoma is not a contraindication to calcium channel blockers, as they are not known to exacerbate glaucoma.
Question 2 of 5
The client is being taught about their warfarin. What does the nurse say about warfarin?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (A): Warfarin antagonizes vitamin K, inhibiting the production of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. This action leads to decreased blood clotting ability. Summary for Incorrect Choices: B: Warfarin is not an antiplatelet drug; it works by affecting clotting factors, not platelets. C: Warfarin does not cause fibrinolysis (breakdown of blood clots); it inhibits clotting factor production. D: Warfarin does not directly inactivate clotting factors; it interferes with their synthesis through vitamin K antagonism.
Question 3 of 5
The client is taking Ticlid and is anticipating surgery. What does the nurse advice the client to do about taking the Ticlid around the time of surgery?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ticlid should be withheld on the day of surgery. Ticlid is an antiplatelet medication that can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Withholding it on the day of surgery helps reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during the procedure. Choice B is incorrect because taking Ticlid on the day of surgery can increase the risk of bleeding complications. Choice C is incorrect because stopping Ticlid a month before surgery may not be necessary and can increase the risk of thrombotic events if the client has a history of cardiovascular issues. Choice D is incorrect because stopping Ticlid 7 days prior to surgery may not be sufficient to prevent bleeding complications during the procedure.
Question 4 of 5
The client has been prescribed gemfibrozil. The nurse explains the function of the drug as what?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: It lowers triglyceride levels. Gemfibrozil is a fibric acid derivative that primarily works by decreasing triglyceride levels. It does not directly reduce cholesterol levels (A), destabilize cholesterol plaques (B), or prevent a recurrent MI (C). Lowering triglyceride levels helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, the explanation that gemfibrozil lowers triglyceride levels aligns with its mechanism of action and therapeutic effects.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing the client’s capillary refill. A normal capillary refill time is what?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Less than 1 second. Capillary refill time is a measure of peripheral perfusion. A normal capillary refill time is less than 1 second, indicating adequate blood flow to the capillaries. If capillary refill takes longer than 1 second, it may suggest poor perfusion. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they exceed the normal capillary refill time, indicating decreased perfusion and potential circulatory compromise.