ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is administering a calcium channel blocker. What is the primary effect of this medication on the cardiovascular system?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreases blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers inhibit the influx of calcium into cardiac and smooth muscle cells, leading to vasodilation and decreased peripheral resistance, ultimately reducing blood pressure. This effect is beneficial in conditions such as hypertension and angina. The other choices are incorrect because calcium channel blockers typically do not directly affect heart rate or increase blood pressure.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is teaching a client about side effects of ACE inhibitors. What is the most important side effect to monitor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough. ACE inhibitors can cause a persistent, dry cough due to bradykinin accumulation. It is important to monitor for this as it can indicate potential angioedema, a serious adverse effect. Hyperkalemia (B) is a potential side effect but may not be as immediate or common as cough. Hypotension (C) is a common side effect but not as crucial to monitor as cough. Dizziness (D) is a common side effect but not as significant as cough in terms of potential complications.
Question 3 of 5
When monitoring a client on dobutamine, what is the most important parameter to assess?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure. When monitoring a client on dobutamine, the most important parameter to assess is blood pressure because dobutamine is a medication that increases heart contractility, potentially leading to increased cardiac output and subsequent changes in blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure helps to ensure that the medication is having the desired effect without causing adverse effects such as hypertension or hypotension. Heart rate (B) can be influenced by dobutamine but is not as critical as blood pressure. Oxygen saturation (C) and respiratory rate (D) are important parameters to monitor in general but are not directly influenced by dobutamine.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client on heparin. What is the most important lab value to monitor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: aPTT. This lab value is crucial for monitoring heparin therapy as it measures the effectiveness of the medication in preventing blood clots. Monitoring aPTT helps ensure the client is within the therapeutic range to prevent bleeding or clotting complications. Incorrect choices: B: INR is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin. C: Platelet count is important, but aPTT is more directly related to heparin therapy. D: Hemoglobin is important for assessing anemia but not specific to monitoring heparin therapy.
Question 5 of 5
The client on amiodarone reports shortness of breath. What is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Notify the healthcare provider immediately. Shortness of breath in a client on amiodarone can indicate a serious side effect such as pulmonary toxicity or interstitial lung disease. The nurse should prioritize the client's safety by promptly informing the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. This is crucial to prevent potential harm or worsening of the condition. Summary: - Choice B is incorrect because shortness of breath with amiodarone is not a common side effect to be reassured about. - Choice C is incorrect as monitoring symptoms at home may delay necessary medical intervention. - Choice D is incorrect as reducing physical activity does not address the potential serious side effect of amiodarone.