ATI RN
Physical Exam Cardiovascular System Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the condition where a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, causing shortness of breath, chest pain, and other symptoms?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks an artery, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. This happens because the clot obstructs blood flow to the lung tissue, causing a decrease in oxygen levels. The other choices, B: Pneumothorax, C: Pleural effusion, and D: Aneurysm, do not involve a blood clot blocking an artery in the lungs. Pneumothorax is a collapsed lung due to air in the chest cavity, Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the space between the lungs and chest wall, and an Aneurysm is a bulging and weakened blood vessel.
Question 2 of 5
The client on nitroglycerin complains of a headache. How does the nurse explain this?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: This is a normal side effect of nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels, including those in the head, leading to headaches. The nurse should explain that this is a common and expected side effect of the medication. B: This is incorrect because a headache from nitroglycerin is not indicative of an allergic reaction. C: This is incorrect as a headache is not typically a sign of overdose with nitroglycerin. D: This is incorrect as a headache from nitroglycerin is not specifically linked to heart failure.
Question 3 of 5
The client is on a calcium channel blocker. What is the expected effect on the heart?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreased blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers inhibit the entry of calcium into cardiac muscle cells, leading to relaxation of blood vessels and decreased cardiac contractility. This results in vasodilation and decreased cardiac output, ultimately lowering blood pressure. Choice A is incorrect as calcium channel blockers typically lead to decreased heart rate due to reduced contractility. Choice B is incorrect as calcium channel blockers do not increase heart rate. Choice C is incorrect as the vasodilatory effect of calcium channel blockers typically leads to decreased blood pressure, not increased.
Question 4 of 5
The client on clopidogrel (Plavix) should be monitored for which adverse effect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bleeding. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that can increase the risk of bleeding due to its mechanism of action in preventing blood clot formation. Monitoring for signs of bleeding such as easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, blood in urine or stool is crucial. Incorrect Choices: B: Hypertension - Clopidogrel does not typically cause hypertension. C: Tachycardia - Clopidogrel does not affect heart rate in a way that would lead to tachycardia. D: Bradycardia - Clopidogrel is not associated with causing bradycardia. In summary, monitoring for bleeding is essential when a client is on clopidogrel due to its antiplatelet effects, while hypertension, tachycardia, and bradycardia are not typically associated adverse effects of this medication.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is administering digoxin to a client. What is the most important parameter to check before administration?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart rate. Before administering digoxin, it is crucial to check the client's heart rate because digoxin is a medication that affects the heart. Monitoring the heart rate helps assess the client's cardiac function and determines if the medication can be safely given. Checking heart rate ensures that the client is not at risk for potential adverse effects such as bradycardia or arrhythmias. Blood pressure (B), respiratory rate (C), and oxygen saturation (D) are important parameters to monitor but are not as directly related to the action of digoxin on the heart.