ATI RN
Med Surg Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 4
The nurse is preparing to discharge a client after CABG surgery. The client is taking several new medications, including digoxin (Lanoxin), metoprolol (Lopressor), and furosemide (Lasix). The client complains of nausea and anorexia. The nurse is preparing to report this finding to the physician before discharging the client. Which laboratory result will the nurse check before calling the physician?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium level. After CABG surgery, the client is taking medications that can affect potassium levels, such as furosemide and digoxin. Nausea and anorexia can be symptoms of hypokalemia, a potential side effect of these medications. Therefore, checking the potassium level is crucial to monitor for any electrolyte imbalances that can lead to adverse effects like cardiac dysrhythmias. Summary of incorrect choices: B: Sodium level - Although important for electrolyte balance, sodium levels are less likely to be affected by the medications mentioned in the scenario and are not typically associated with nausea and anorexia. C: PT/INR - These are coagulation studies and not directly related to the symptoms presented by the client. D: Digoxin level - While monitoring digoxin levels is important for toxicity, the symptoms of nausea and anorexia are more indicative of potential electrolyte imbalances rather than digox
Question 2 of 4
A toddler with Kawasaki's disease is going home on salicylate (aspirin) therapy. Which is the priority teaching at the time of discharge?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor the child for gastrointestinal bleeding. This is a priority teaching because salicylate therapy can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in children with Kawasaki's disease. Teaching parents to watch for signs such as black, tarry stools or vomiting blood is crucial for early detection and intervention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because avoiding contact with other children, reporting tingling extremities, and maintaining a low-calorie diet are not specific priorities related to salicylate therapy for Kawasaki's disease.
Question 3 of 4
The nurse is assessing the laboratory values for a patient with chronic heart failure before administering furosemide. Which of the following values would cause the nurse to withhold this drug and notify the primary care provider?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L. In patients with chronic heart failure, furosemide can cause potassium loss leading to hypokalemia, which can worsen cardiac function and lead to arrhythmias. Therefore, a low potassium level warrants withholding furosemide and notifying the primary care provider for appropriate management. Incorrect choices: B: Digoxin level of 0.7 ng/mL - Although digoxin levels should be monitored, a level of 0.7 ng/mL is within the therapeutic range. C: Calcium level of 5 mg/dL - Low calcium levels do not directly contraindicate furosemide use. D: Magnesium level of 1 mg/dL - While magnesium levels should also be monitored, a level of 1 mg/dL is not significantly low to withhold furosemide.
Question 4 of 4
A nurse is preparing drugs for a cardiac arrest victim. Which of the following drug is used in almost all cardiac arrest scenarios?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Epinephrine. In cardiac arrest scenarios, epinephrine is used almost universally due to its potent vasoconstrictive and positive inotropic effects, which help improve blood flow to vital organs and increase chances of successful resuscitation. Atropine (A) is used for symptomatic bradycardia, not cardiac arrest. Adenosine (C) is used for certain types of arrhythmias, not cardiac arrest. Sodium bicarbonate (D) is used for metabolic acidosis, not cardiac arrest. Therefore, epinephrine is the most appropriate choice for cardiac arrest situations.