ATI RN
Cardiovascular Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is discharging a client to home with a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.. The nurse explains that which of the following is the most important symptoms to report to the physician?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular pulse, which can lead to serious complications like stroke. Step 2: Reporting irregular pulse promptly allows the physician to assess the need for interventions to prevent complications. Step 3: Fever (B), fatigue (C), and hemoptysis (D) are not typically associated with atrial fibrillation. Summary: Reporting irregular pulse is crucial for timely management of atrial fibrillation, while fever, fatigue, and hemoptysis are not relevant symptoms in this context.
Question 2 of 5
A 75-year-old individual is admitted with a diagnosis of left-sided heart failure and is administered Lasix 80 mg by slow IV push. Which nursing assessment indicates that the Lasix (furosemide) is NOT having the desired effect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Oliguria. Oliguria is the decreased urine output, which is an indicator of inadequate response to Lasix in heart failure. Lasix is a diuretic used to reduce fluid overload in heart failure by promoting diuresis. In this case, a decrease in urine output suggests that the medication is not effectively removing excess fluid. For the other choices: B: Decrease in blood pressure - This could be an expected effect of Lasix as it helps reduce fluid volume and can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. C: Absence of crackles - This indicates reduced pulmonary congestion, which is a desired effect of Lasix in heart failure. D: Polydipsia - Increased thirst (polydipsia) is not directly related to the effectiveness of Lasix in treating heart failure. In summary, the presence of oliguria indicates inadequate response to Lasix, while the decrease in blood pressure, absence of crackles, and polydips
Question 3 of 5
Good conduction of electricity from the patient's heart to the monitor requires that the critical care nurse
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because placing electrodes with contacts on their anterior and posterior surfaces ensures good conduction of electricity from the heart to the monitor. This placement maximizes the contact area with the skin, leading to better signal transmission. Choice A is incorrect because changing electrode pads periodically may help maintain skin integrity but does not directly impact electrical conduction. Choice B is incorrect as ribs are not good conductors of electricity. Choice D is incorrect as placing electrodes further apart may lead to decreased signal quality and interference.
Question 4 of 5
Which drug is effective in managing mild to moderate hypotension?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine). Phenylephrine is a potent vasoconstrictor that can increase blood pressure, making it effective in managing mild to moderate hypotension. It works by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors, leading to vasoconstriction and increased peripheral vascular resistance, ultimately raising blood pressure. Other choices are incorrect: B: Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic drug used to treat irregular heart rhythms, not hypotension. C: Ibutilide is a class III antiarrhythmic agent used for maintaining normal heart rhythm, not for managing hypotension. D: Milrinone is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that increases cardiac contractility and vasodilation, primarily used in heart failure, not specifically for managing hypotension.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse suspects stable angina rather than MI pain in the patient who reports chest pain that
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because chest pain relieved by nitroglycerin is a classic symptom of stable angina, indicating a temporary lack of oxygen to the heart muscle. This distinguishes it from MI pain, which is not typically relieved by nitroglycerin. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they are not specific to stable angina and can also be present in MI pain. Choice B is a common symptom for both conditions, choice C describes radiation patterns seen in both conditions, and choice D is a trigger for both stable angina and MI pain.