ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the condition where the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, causing pain and difficulty walking?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is characterized by narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the legs, leading to reduced blood flow, causing pain and difficulty walking (claudication). The narrowing is typically due to atherosclerosis. Raynaud's disease (B) involves spasms of small arteries, causing reduced blood flow to fingers and toes, not legs. Varicose veins (C) are enlarged, twisted veins, not arteries. Pulmonary embolism (D) is a blockage in the lungs' arteries, not the legs.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is giving a client an IV bolus of heparin. What is the most important nursing action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor the client's heart rate. When administering an IV bolus of heparin, it is crucial to monitor the client's heart rate because heparin can cause serious side effects such as bleeding and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, which can lead to changes in heart rate. Checking blood pressure (B) is also important but not as critical as monitoring heart rate. Checking for signs of bleeding (C) is necessary but should be done after monitoring the heart rate. Monitoring the client's respiratory rate (D) is not directly related to heparin administration.