ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf Questions
Question 1 of 5
The healthcare provider is monitoring a client on an ACE inhibitor. What lab value is most important to monitor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium. ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia, so monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent potential life-threatening complications. High potassium levels can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Sodium levels are not typically affected by ACE inhibitors. Creatinine is important to monitor for kidney function but not specific to ACE inhibitors. Calcium levels are not directly affected by ACE inhibitors.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client on digoxin. What is the most important assessment before administering this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Check the client's heart rate. Before administering digoxin, it is crucial to assess the client's heart rate as digoxin can cause bradycardia or arrhythmias. Monitoring the heart rate helps to determine if the client is at risk of experiencing these adverse effects. Checking blood pressure, respiratory rate, or oxygen saturation is important but not as crucial as assessing the heart rate when administering digoxin. Bradycardia is a common adverse effect of digoxin, so assessing the heart rate is the priority.