ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
The client is on warfarin and has an INR of 1.5. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hold the next dose of warfarin. With an INR of 1.5, the client's blood is not adequately anticoagulated, increasing the risk of blood clots. Holding the next dose will prevent further thinning of blood and allow the INR to increase to the target range. Increasing the dose (A) could lead to over-anticoagulation, risking bleeding. Continuing the current dose (C) maintains inadequate anticoagulation. Monitoring (D) is important, but the immediate action should be to hold the next dose.
Question 5 of 5
The client is on nitroglycerin and reports chest pain. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Notify the healthcare provider immediately. When a client on nitroglycerin reports chest pain, it could indicate a worsening condition or potential myocardial infarction. The nurse's priority is to notify the healthcare provider promptly for further assessment and intervention. Administering nitroglycerin (choice A) may not address the underlying cause of the chest pain. Administering morphine (choice B) may mask symptoms and delay appropriate treatment. Administering aspirin (choice C) is important in chest pain management but does not take priority over notifying the healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.