ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse obtains the following data when assessing a patient who experienced an ST- segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) 2 days previously. Which information is most important to report to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, bilateral crackles in the mid-lower lobes. This finding indicates potential heart failure, a serious complication post-STEMI. Reporting this promptly to the healthcare provider allows for timely intervention to prevent further deterioration. Choice A, an elevated troponin level, is expected post-STEMI and may not require immediate action. Choice B, the patient denying a heart attack, is not as critical as the physical assessment findings. Choice D, occasional PACs, is common and may not be directly related to the patient's current condition.
Question 2 of 5
A client with unstable angina receives routine applications of nitroglycerin ointment. The nurse should delay the next dose if the client has:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: A systolic blood pressure below 90 mm Hg. Nitroglycerin ointment is a vasodilator that can further decrease blood pressure, potentially causing hypotension if the systolic BP is already below 90 mm Hg. Delaying the next dose allows time for the BP to stabilize. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because atrial fibrillation, headache, and skin redness at the site are not contraindications for administering nitroglycerin ointment.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a child with a cyanotic heart defect. Which signs should the nurse expect to observe?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: In a child with a cyanotic heart defect, the deoxygenated blood mixes with oxygenated blood, resulting in cyanosis (bluish skin). Hypertension can occur due to increased workload on the heart. Clubbing indicates chronic hypoxia. Lethargy is a common symptom of decreased oxygen levels. Summary of Other Choices: B: Hypotension is less likely due to increased workload on the heart. Crouching may be seen in some cases but is not a typical sign. Lethargy is common. C: Irritability is less common compared to lethargy. Clubbing is a common sign. Crouching may be seen but is not specific. D: Confusion and clonus are not typical signs of cyanotic heart defects. Crouching may occur, but it is not specific.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of renal failure and a new myocardial infarction. The nurse who is reviewing laboratory findings would call the doctor to report which of the following results?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Calcium level of 7.0 mg/dL. In a client with renal failure and myocardial infarction, low calcium levels can lead to arrhythmias and worsen heart function. The nurse should call the doctor to report this critical finding. Choice A: Potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L is within the normal range and not immediately concerning in this context. Choice B: Sodium level of 145 mEq/L is also within the normal range and not a priority in this situation. Choice D: Digoxin/digitalis level of 0.8 ng/mL is within the therapeutic range, so it's not an immediate concern unless there are clinical symptoms of toxicity.
Question 5 of 5
A client with endocarditis develops sudden leg pain with pallor, tingling, and loss of peripheral pulses. The nurse's initial action should be to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct initial action is to notify the physician (Choice C) about the sudden onset of leg pain, pallor, tingling, and loss of pulses, as these symptoms suggest acute arterial occlusion, a medical emergency. The physician needs to be informed immediately to assess the situation and determine the appropriate intervention, such as urgent revascularization. Elevating the leg (Choice A) may worsen the condition by reducing blood flow further. Wrapping the leg in a blanket (Choice B) is not recommended as it does not address the underlying arterial occlusion. Passive ROM exercises (Choice D) are contraindicated in this situation as they can potentially dislodge blood clots and exacerbate the blockage.