ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client on furosemide is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases potassium excretion in the urine, leading to low potassium levels (hypokalemia). This can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and cardiac arrhythmias. Hypernatremia (B) is high sodium levels, unrelated to furosemide. Hyperkalemia (C) is the opposite of what furosemide causes. Hyponatremia (D) is low sodium levels, not typically associated with furosemide use.
Question 2 of 5
The client is receiving intravenous dopamine. What is the most important nursing assessment?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor heart rate and rhythm. Dopamine is a medication that can affect the heart rate and rhythm. Monitoring these parameters is crucial to detect any potential adverse effects such as tachycardia or arrhythmias. Monitoring blood pressure is also important, but assessing heart rate and rhythm takes precedence due to the direct impact of dopamine on cardiac function. Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation are generally not directly affected by dopamine administration.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is administering an ACE inhibitor to a client. What is the most common side effect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough. ACE inhibitors commonly cause a persistent dry cough due to the accumulation of bradykinin. This side effect occurs in up to 20% of patients. Dizziness (B) and hypotension (C) are potential side effects of ACE inhibitors but not as common as cough. Hyperkalemia (D) can occur with ACE inhibitors but is not the most common side effect.
Question 4 of 5
The client is on nitroglycerin patches. What should the nurse include in the client's education?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Rotate the application site with each new patch. This is important to prevent skin irritation and tolerance development. Rotating sites ensures consistent drug absorption and reduces the risk of skin reactions. Applying the patch at the same site each time (choice D) can lead to localized skin irritation. Applying the patch at the same time each day (choice B) is not as crucial as rotating sites. Leaving the patch on for 24 hours and then removing it for 12 hours (choice C) can disrupt the therapeutic effect of the medication.
Question 5 of 5
The client is on spironolactone (Aldactone). What is the most important dietary instruction?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid foods high in potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can increase potassium levels in the body. Consuming foods high in potassium while on spironolactone can lead to hyperkalemia, which can be dangerous. By avoiding foods high in potassium, the client can help maintain a safe potassium level. Summary: - Choice B (Increase intake of foods high in potassium) is incorrect because it can lead to hyperkalemia when combined with spironolactone. - Choice C (Avoid foods high in sodium) is unrelated to spironolactone's mechanism of action. - Choice D (Increase intake of foods high in sodium) is incorrect as it is not relevant to the dietary instruction needed for a client on spironolactone.