ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf Questions
Question 1 of 5
The healthcare provider is administering IV nitroglycerin to a patient for chest pain. What is the most critical parameter to monitor?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Blood pressure. When administering IV nitroglycerin for chest pain, monitoring blood pressure is critical due to its vasodilatory effect, which can cause hypotension. Monitoring blood pressure helps prevent potential adverse effects like hypotension-related symptoms or complications. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate are also important parameters to monitor, but blood pressure takes precedence in this scenario due to the potential for significant hemodynamic changes.
Question 2 of 5
The client is being taught about the use of warfarin. What is the most important dietary instruction?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid foods high in vitamin K. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Consuming foods high in vitamin K can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin. By avoiding these foods, the client can maintain consistent levels of the medication in their system. Choice B is incorrect as increasing vitamin K-rich foods can counteract the effects of warfarin. Choice C is incorrect as there is no need to avoid foods high in protein when taking warfarin. Choice D is incorrect as increasing calcium intake does not have a direct impact on warfarin therapy.
Question 3 of 5
The client is on enalapril (Vasotec) for hypertension. What side effect is most commonly associated with this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dry cough. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor, which commonly causes a dry cough due to increased bradykinin levels. This side effect is well-documented in literature and can lead to medication non-adherence. Other choices (B) Hypotension, (C) Hyperkalemia, and (D) Headache are potential side effects of enalapril but are not as commonly associated as dry cough. Hypotension and hyperkalemia are more serious adverse effects that require monitoring, while headache is a less common side effect compared to dry cough.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client on amiodarone. What adverse effect is the nurse most concerned about?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary toxicity. Amiodarone is known to cause potentially life-threatening pulmonary toxicity, including interstitial pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis. The nurse must closely monitor the client for signs such as cough, dyspnea, and chest pain. Liver toxicity (B), thyroid dysfunction (C), and renal dysfunction (D) are also possible adverse effects of amiodarone, but pulmonary toxicity is the most concerning due to its severe and rapid progression. Monitoring and early detection are crucial to prevent serious complications.
Question 5 of 5
The client on enoxaparin (Lovenox) is scheduled for surgery. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the enoxaparin and notify the healthcare provider. Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding during surgery. Holding it reduces this risk. Notifying the healthcare provider is crucial for further guidance. Administering enoxaparin (B) can lead to excessive bleeding. Administering vitamin K (C) is not indicated for enoxaparin therapy. Monitoring INR (D) is not appropriate for enoxaparin, which does not affect INR levels.