ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is administering an ACE inhibitor to a client. What is the most common side effect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough. ACE inhibitors commonly cause a persistent dry cough due to the accumulation of bradykinin. This side effect occurs in up to 20% of patients. Dizziness (B) and hypotension (C) are potential side effects of ACE inhibitors but not as common as cough. Hyperkalemia (D) can occur with ACE inhibitors but is not the most common side effect.
Question 2 of 5
The client is on spironolactone (Aldactone). What is the most important dietary instruction?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid foods high in potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can increase potassium levels in the body. Consuming foods high in potassium while on spironolactone can lead to hyperkalemia, which can be dangerous. By avoiding foods high in potassium, the client can help maintain a safe potassium level. Summary: - Choice B (Increase intake of foods high in potassium) is incorrect because it can lead to hyperkalemia when combined with spironolactone. - Choice C (Avoid foods high in sodium) is unrelated to spironolactone's mechanism of action. - Choice D (Increase intake of foods high in sodium) is incorrect as it is not relevant to the dietary instruction needed for a client on spironolactone.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client on warfarin with an INR of 1.8. What is the most appropriate action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Monitor the client's INR closely. An INR of 1.8 indicates the client is below the therapeutic range for warfarin. By closely monitoring the client's INR, the nurse can assess the effectiveness of the current dosage and make informed decisions about potential adjustments. Increasing the dose of warfarin (Choice A) without monitoring could lead to over-anticoagulation. Administering vitamin K (Choice B) is not indicated unless the client is experiencing severe bleeding. Holding the warfarin and notifying the healthcare provider (Choice C) may be necessary in some cases, but monitoring is the initial appropriate action to evaluate the situation before making changes.
Question 4 of 5
The client on warfarin has an INR of 3.8. What is the most appropriate action by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer vitamin K. When a client on warfarin has an INR above the therapeutic range (usually 2-3), like in this case (3.8), administering vitamin K is appropriate to reverse the anticoagulant effects. This helps prevent bleeding complications. Holding the next dose of warfarin (B) may not be sufficient to lower the INR quickly. Increasing the dose of warfarin (C) would further elevate the INR, leading to higher bleeding risk. Notifying the healthcare provider (D) is important, but immediate action with vitamin K is necessary to address the high INR.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is giving nitroglycerin sublingually for chest pain. What is the most important instruction to give to the client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Place the tablet under the tongue and let it dissolve completely. Nitroglycerin is absorbed quickly through the oral mucosa, providing rapid relief for chest pain. Placing it under the tongue allows for direct absorption into the bloodstream. Swallowing the tablet whole (B) would delay absorption. Chewing the tablet (C) would cause rapid absorption and possibly lead to a drop in blood pressure. Taking one tablet every 5 minutes (D) is not recommended as it can lead to hypotension. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate instruction for the client.