ATI LPN
Cardiovascular Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The majority of tachydysrhythmias are believed to occur because of
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Reentry is thought to be the culprit in most tachydysrhythmias. Reentry is a complex process in which a cardiac impulse continues to depolarize in a part of the heart after the main impulse has finished its path. Triggered activity occurs when an impulse is generated during or just after repolarization. Alterations in automaticity create electrolyte imbalances. Defective gap junctions are not related to tachydysrhythmias.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with a history of hypertension treated with a diuretic and an angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE) inhibitor arrives in the emergency department. The patient reports a severe headache and nausea and has a blood pressure(BP) of 238/118 mm Hg. Which question should the nurse ask to follow up on these findings?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden withdrawal of antihypertensive medications can cause rebound hypertension and hypertensive crisis. Although many over-the-counter medications can cause hypertension, antihistamines and acetaminophen do not increase BP. Stressful events will increase BP but not usually to the level seen in this patient.
Question 3 of 5
Which action should the nurse take when administering the initial dose of oral labetalol (Normodyne) to a patient with hypertension?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Labetalol decreases sympathetic nervous system activity by blocking both α- and b-adrenergic receptors, leading to vasodilation and a decrease in heart rate, which can cause severe orthostatic hypotension. Heart palpitations, dry mouth, dehydration, and headaches are possible side effects of other antihypertensives.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is performing blood pressure screenings at a local health fair. While obtaining subjective assessment data from a patient with hypertension, the nurse learns that the patient has a family history of hypertension and she herself has high cholesterol and lipid levels. The patient says she smokes one pack of cigarettes daily and drinks 'about a pack of beer' every day. The nurse notes what nonmodifiable risk factor for hypertension?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Unlike cholesterol levels, alcohol intake and adherence to treatment, family history is not modifiable.
Question 5 of 5
During an adult patient's last two office visits, the nurse obtained BP readings of 122/84 mm Hg and 130/88 mm Hg, respectively. How would this patient's BP be categorized?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prehypertension is defined systolic BP of 120 to 139 mm Hg or diastolic BP of 80 to 89 mm Hg.