ATI RN
ANCC Cardiovascular Certification Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse suspects that the patient with stable angina is experiencing a side effect of the prescribed drug metoprolol (Lopressor) if the
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because low blood pressure (90/54 mm Hg) is a known side effect of metoprolol. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that can cause hypotension. Restlessness, agitation, and anxiety are not typical side effects of metoprolol. A normal sinus rhythm on the heart monitor does not indicate a side effect of metoprolol. Low blood pressure is a common side effect of metoprolol due to its beta-blocking effects on the heart and blood vessels, leading to decreased cardiac output and vasodilation.
Question 2 of 5
A patient admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU) with an ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is restless and anxious. The blood pressure is 86/40 mm Hg, and heart rate is 132 beats/min. Based on this information, which nursing diagnosis is a priority for the patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreased cardiac output related to cardiogenic shock. In a patient with STEMI, the low blood pressure (86/40 mm Hg) and high heart rate (132 beats/min) indicate poor cardiac output. Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs due to decreased cardiac output. Restlessness and anxiety can be signs of inadequate tissue perfusion in cardiogenic shock. Addressing decreased cardiac output is crucial to prevent further deterioration. A: Acute pain is a common symptom in STEMI but not the priority when the patient is in cardiogenic shock. B: Anxiety is a valid concern, but the primary focus should be on addressing the physiological instability caused by decreased cardiac output. C: Stress overload can be a contributing factor, but the immediate priority is managing the cardiogenic shock to stabilize the patient's condition.
Question 3 of 5
Which lifestyle changes should a client diagnosed with coronary artery disease consider?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, as all choices are important lifestyle changes for a client with coronary artery disease. Smoking cessation reduces the risk of heart disease, exercise helps improve heart health, and weight reduction can lower the strain on the heart. Each choice addresses a different aspect of managing coronary artery disease, making all of them essential for overall well-being. Therefore, it is crucial for the client to adopt all of these changes to effectively manage their condition and reduce the risk of complications.
Question 4 of 5
A client is prescribed diltiazem (Cardizem) to manage his hypertension. The nurse should tell the client the diltiazem will:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that primarily works by lowering both heart rate and blood pressure. It does not directly affect urine output. Therefore, choice A is incorrect as it only mentions blood pressure. Choice C is incorrect because diltiazem does not increase urine output. Choice D is incorrect because while it mentions heart rate and blood pressure, the increase in urine output is not a direct effect of diltiazem.
Question 5 of 5
An infant with a ventricular septal defect is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin). Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate before digoxin administration?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Check the infant's apical pulse for 1 minute. Before administering digoxin, it is crucial to assess the infant's apical pulse because digoxin is a medication that affects the heart rate. By checking the apical pulse, the nurse can determine the baseline heart rate and assess for any irregularities or changes that may indicate digoxin toxicity. This step is essential to ensure the medication is safe for the infant. Incorrect choices: A: Taking the infant's blood pressure is not necessary before administering digoxin, as the focus should be on assessing the heart rate specifically. B: Checking the respiratory rate is not directly related to digoxin administration and does not provide crucial information about the medication's effects. C: Checking the radial pulse is not as accurate as checking the apical pulse when assessing the heart rate, which is critical before giving digoxin.