ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is a condition where a blood clot forms in a vein, often in the legs, which can cause pain and swelling and may lead to serious complications if it travels to the lungs?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in the legs. This can cause pain, swelling, and potentially serious complications if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism. Varicose veins (C) are enlarged, twisted veins close to the skin's surface, not deep veins. Aneurysm (D) is the ballooning of a blood vessel, not a clot formation. Pulmonary embolism (B) is a complication of DVT, not the initial condition.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is giving the client digoxin for heart failure and recognizes that the drug has what type of effect on the heart?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Positive inotropic, negative chronotropic effect. Digoxin is a positive inotrope, meaning it increases the force of myocardial contraction, which helps improve cardiac output in heart failure. It has a negative chronotropic effect, meaning it decreases the heart rate by slowing down the electrical conduction in the heart, which can be beneficial in certain heart conditions. Choice A (Negative inotropic, negative chronotropic effect) is incorrect because digoxin is a positive inotrope, not a negative inotrope. Choice C (Negative inotropic, positive chronotropic effect) is incorrect because digoxin does not have a positive chronotropic effect. Choice D (Positive inotropic, positive chronotropic effect) is incorrect because digoxin has a negative chronotropic effect, not a positive one. Therefore, the correct choice is B due to the combination of positive inotropic effect and negative chronotropic effect of digoxin on the heart
Question 3 of 5
For what reason might the nurse be given an order to administer milrinone (Primacor)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: For congestive heart failure. Milrinone is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor used to improve cardiac output in patients with severe heart failure. It works by increasing the force of heart contractions. Therefore, it is specifically indicated for congestive heart failure to help improve cardiac function. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because milrinone is not typically used for hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, or bradycardia. It is important to understand the specific indications and mechanisms of action of medications to determine the appropriate use in clinical practice.
Question 4 of 5
The client has a prescription for sublingual nitroglycerin. What is the nurse's instruction for how to take this medication during an episode of chest pain?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Sublingual nitroglycerin is taken under the tongue to quickly relieve chest pain. The nurse should instruct the client to take one tablet every 5 minutes during an episode of chest pain, up to a maximum of three tablets. This is because nitroglycerin works rapidly to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart, helping to relieve angina symptoms. Taking one tablet every hour or two tablets immediately may not provide adequate relief and could lead to an overdose. Taking the tablet with water is unnecessary as the medication is absorbed through the mucous membranes under the tongue.
Question 5 of 5
The client on furosemide is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases potassium excretion in the urine, leading to low potassium levels (hypokalemia). This can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and cardiac arrhythmias. Hypernatremia (B) is high sodium levels, unrelated to furosemide. Hyperkalemia (C) is the opposite of what furosemide causes. Hyponatremia (D) is low sodium levels, not typically associated with furosemide use.