ATI RN
Cardiovascular Treatment Drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse knows that a patient’s total cholesterol level should be within which range?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. The optimal total cholesterol level is below 200 mg/dL for heart health. 2. Levels between 200-225 mg/dL are borderline high, increasing heart disease risk. 3. Levels between 225-250 mg/dL are high, indicating potential heart disease risk. 4. Levels greater than 250 mg/dL are very high, posing significant heart disease risk. Therefore, choice A (150 to 200 mg/dL) is correct for maintaining heart health. Other choices are incorrect as they indicate elevated or high cholesterol levels, increasing cardiovascular risk.
Question 2 of 5
A patient mentions, “My doctor told me I was going to have a PET scan that would make my brain light up. Does that mean I’m getting an electrical jolt?” The best reply would be:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it provides a clear and accurate explanation of what a PET scan actually does. It states that PET scans involve an injected substance that shows areas of high brain activity, not electrical activity. This response clarifies the misunderstanding and educates the patient on how PET scans work. Choice A is incorrect because it only compares PET scans to electroconvulsive therapy without addressing the patient's specific concern about electrical jolts. Choice B is incorrect as it only distinguishes between PET scans and electroconvulsive therapy without addressing the patient's misconception about brain activity and electrical jolts. Choice D is incorrect because it inaccurately describes PET scans as showing electrical activity in the form of light bands, which is not how PET scans work. It is essential to provide accurate information to address the patient's concerns effectively.
Question 3 of 5
A patient has been given succinylcholine (Anectine) after a severe injury that necessitated controlled ventilation. The physician now wants to reverse the paralysis. The nurse would expect to use which drug to reverse the succinylcholine?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: neostigmine (Prostigmin). Neostigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor that helps reverse the effects of succinylcholine by increasing acetylcholine levels at the neuromuscular junction. This leads to the competitive inhibition of succinylcholine, allowing the patient to regain muscle function. Valium (A) is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and muscle relaxation, not for reversing paralysis. Caffeine (B) is a stimulant that does not reverse muscle paralysis. Vecuronium (D) is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent and cannot reverse succinylcholine paralysis.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the JNC 7 guidelines for treatment of hypertension. Which blood pressure would be classified as “prehypertension” according to the JNC 7 guidelines?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (130/88 mm Hg) because according to JNC 7 guidelines, prehypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure between 120-139 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure between 80-89 mm Hg. Choice A (118/76 mm Hg) falls within the normal range. Choices C (150/90 mm Hg) and D (160/104 mm Hg) both fall within the hypertension range, not prehypertension.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with elevated lipid levels has a new prescription for nicotinic acid (niacin). The nurse informs the patient that which adverse effects may occur with this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pruritus, cutaneous flushing. Nicotinic acid commonly causes flushing due to prostaglandin release. Pruritus may also occur. B is incorrect as tinnitus and urine odor changes are not associated with nicotinic acid. C is incorrect as myalgia and fatigue are not common adverse effects. D is incorrect as blurred vision and headaches are not typically seen with nicotinic acid use. Therefore, A is the most appropriate choice based on the common adverse effects of nicotinic acid.