ATI RN
Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse has admitted a client to the emergency room with complaints of chest pain over the previous 2 hours. There are no clear changes on the 12-lead. The nurse would expect which laboratory test to provide confirmation of a myocardial infarction (MI)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: CK of 320 with MB of 12%. Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme released when there is damage to muscle tissue, including the heart muscle. The MB fraction of CK is specific to cardiac muscle, so an elevated CK with a high MB fraction indicates myocardial damage, confirming a myocardial infarction (MI). Options A, B, and D do not specifically indicate myocardial damage. Potassium levels are not typically indicative of an MI. CK of 545 with MB of 4% is lower than the correct choice, and WBC count is not a specific indicator of an MI.
Question 2 of 5
A 6-year-old child has been diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta. Lately, he has been complaining when he comes in from recess. The health nurse should question the child about which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Weakness and pain in legs. Coarctation of the aorta can lead to decreased blood flow to the lower extremities, causing symptoms like leg pain and weakness. The health nurse should question the child about this as it could be indicative of reduced blood flow from the aorta. Blurred vision (B) is not typically associated with coarctation of the aorta. Increased respiratory rate (C) is more commonly seen in conditions affecting the lungs or airways, not specifically related to coarctation of the aorta. Bruises on shins (D) are not directly related to the symptoms of coarctation of the aorta and do not provide relevant information in this context.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is admitted with and ST segment myocardial infarction. The patient's wife overhears the physician talking about this and asks you, the nurse, what the physician means by this type of heart attack. The nurse's BEST response would include
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it accurately describes an ST segment myocardial infarction as a rather large heart attack that causes death of the heart muscle through all three layers. This response provides a clear and concise explanation of the severity of the condition. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on the ECG changes rather than the extent of the heart attack itself. Choice B is incorrect as it inaccurately describes a smaller MI that only affects part of the heart wall. Choice D is incorrect as it states the cardiac markers are not elevated, which is not typically seen in a severe heart attack.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following pacemakers is usually used in an emergency and attached by the critical care nurse to the patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transcutaneous pacer. In an emergency, a transcutaneous pacer is used because it can be quickly attached externally to the patient's chest, providing immediate pacing support. This type of pacer delivers electrical impulses through the skin to stimulate the heart, making it an effective temporary solution. Summary: B: Epicardial pacer is surgically placed on the heart's surface and is not typically used in emergency situations. C: Transvenous pacer is inserted through a vein and requires more time for placement, making it less suitable for emergencies. D: Permanent pacer is surgically implanted for long-term use and is not used in emergency situations.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse recognizes that fibrinolytic therapy for the treatment of a MI has not been successful when the patient
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Indications that the occluded artery is patent include relief of chest pain, return of ST segment to baseline on the ECG, the presence of reperfusion dysrhythmias, and a marked, rapid rise of the CK enzyme within 3 hours of therapy. If chest pain is unchanged, it is an indication that reperfusion has not occurred.