ATI RN
Med Surg Cardiovascular Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who was admitted to the coronary care unit following an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and percutaneous coronary intervention the previous day. Teaching for this patient would include
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: when cardiac rehabilitation will begin. This is important teaching for a patient following an AMI and PCI as cardiac rehabilitation plays a crucial role in improving recovery and reducing the risk of future cardiac events. It helps in improving physical strength, managing stress, and promoting overall heart health. By educating the patient about the timing and benefits of cardiac rehabilitation, the nurse is empowering the patient to actively participate in their recovery process. Incorrect choices: B: The typical emotional responses to AMI - While emotional support is important, teaching about emotional responses may not be as crucial as focusing on physical recovery through cardiac rehabilitation. C: Information regarding discharge medications - Important, but not as immediate as cardiac rehabilitation for post-AMI recovery. D: The pathophysiology of coronary artery disease - While education is important, understanding the pathophysiology may not be as pressing as knowing when to start cardiac rehabilitation for immediate recovery.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse administers heparin to a client with deep vein thrombophlebitis. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of heparin?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time). PTT measures the effectiveness of heparin therapy by assessing the clotting time. Monitoring PTT helps ensure that the client's blood is within the therapeutic range for anticoagulation. HCT (Choice B) measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood and is not directly related to heparin effectiveness. CBC (Choice C) is a complete blood count that includes various parameters, but it does not specifically indicate heparin effectiveness. PT (Choice D) is the Prothrombin Time, which is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin.
Question 3 of 5
A client experiences acute myocardial ischemia. The nurse administers oxygen and sublingual nitroglycerin. When assessing an electrocardiogram (ECG) for evidence that blood flow to the myocardium has improved, the nurse should focus on the:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Return of the ST segment to baseline. This is because in acute myocardial ischemia, ST segment elevation or depression is indicative of myocardial injury. Therefore, the improvement in blood flow would be reflected by the ST segment returning to baseline. Widening of the QRS complex (A) is not specific to blood flow improvement. Frequency of ectopic beats (B) may be present but is not a direct indicator of improved blood flow. Presence of a significant Q wave (D) indicates a previous myocardial infarction and does not necessarily reflect current blood flow status.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for an infant with tetralogy of Fallot. Which drug should the nurse anticipate administering during a tet spell?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Meperidine (Demerol). During a tet spell in tetralogy of Fallot, there is a sudden decrease in pulmonary blood flow leading to cyanosis and hypoxia. Meperidine is a vasodilator and helps increase pulmonary blood flow, improving oxygenation. Propranolol (A) is a beta-blocker and can worsen cyanosis by decreasing cardiac output. Morphine (B) can depress the respiratory system and exacerbate hypoxia. Furosemide (D) is a diuretic and does not address the acute decrease in pulmonary blood flow seen in a tet spell.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who had a permanent pacemaker inserted because of a complete heart block. The nurse determines that which of the following client outcomes indicates a successful procedure?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a permanent pacemaker is inserted to address heart blocks by providing electrical stimulation to maintain an appropriate heart rate. In this case, the client having paced beats at the rate of 68 per minute indicates that the pacemaker is functioning effectively. Choice A is incorrect as ambulating without dyspnea or chest pain does not specifically indicate the success of the pacemaker procedure. Choice B is incorrect because a normal sinus rhythm would not be expected in a client with a permanent pacemaker. Choice C is incorrect as the heart rate of 80 beats per minute may not be indicative of the pacemaker's effectiveness, as the client may be paced at a different rate. Blood pressure values alone do not indicate the success of the pacemaker insertion.