ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client on furosemide (Lasix) is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases potassium excretion in the urine, leading to low potassium levels in the body. Hypokalemia can result in muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and other serious complications. Hyperkalemia (choice A) is the opposite condition of high potassium levels and is not typically associated with furosemide use. Hyponatremia (choice C) is a low sodium level, which may be a potential side effect of furosemide but is not the primary electrolyte imbalance to be concerned about. Hypernatremia (choice D) is high sodium levels and is not directly related to furosemide use.
Question 2 of 5
The client on spironolactone (Aldactone) has a potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider. The priority action is to stop the medication and inform the healthcare provider because a potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L is above the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L), indicating hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can further increase potassium levels. Continuing the medication or administering a potassium supplement would exacerbate the issue. Increasing the dose of spironolactone would be unsafe and could lead to severe complications. Therefore, holding the medication and seeking guidance from the healthcare provider is crucial in managing the client's elevated potassium level.
Question 3 of 5
When administering enoxaparin (Lovenox) to a client, what is the most important lab value to monitor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count. When administering enoxaparin, the most important lab value to monitor is the platelet count because enoxaparin can cause thrombocytopenia, a potentially serious adverse effect. Monitoring platelet count helps to detect and prevent this complication. Summary of other choices: B: aPTT - Enoxaparin does not directly affect aPTT, so monitoring this value is not as critical as platelet count. C: Hemoglobin - While monitoring hemoglobin may be important for some conditions, it is not the most crucial lab value to monitor when administering enoxaparin. D: INR - Enoxaparin does not affect the INR, so monitoring this value is not necessary when administering this medication.
Question 4 of 5
When administering enoxaparin (Lovenox) to a client for DVT prophylaxis, what is the most important lab value to monitor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count. When administering enoxaparin for DVT prophylaxis, monitoring platelet count is crucial because enoxaparin can cause thrombocytopenia. Decreased platelet count can increase the risk of bleeding. Monitoring PT/INR and aPTT is more relevant for monitoring warfarin or heparin therapy, not enoxaparin. Hemoglobin monitoring is important for assessing anemia but not specifically related to enoxaparin administration for DVT prophylaxis.
Question 5 of 5
A client on spironolactone (Aldactone) has a potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can lead to hyperkalemia. With a potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L, the client is at risk for serious cardiac complications. Holding the medication and notifying the healthcare provider is the priority to prevent further increase in potassium levels. Administering a potassium supplement (B) would exacerbate the hyperkalemia. Continuing the spironolactone as ordered (C) or increasing the dose (D) would also worsen the situation.