ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the procedure where a catheter is used to open a blocked or narrowed coronary artery, often involving the placement of a stent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Angioplasty. During angioplasty, a catheter with a balloon at its tip is used to open a blocked or narrowed coronary artery. The balloon is inflated to widen the artery and improve blood flow. Often, a stent is placed during the procedure to help keep the artery open. Option B, valve replacement, is incorrect as it involves replacing a faulty heart valve, not opening a blocked coronary artery. Option C, stent placement, is close but not specific to the procedure of using a catheter and balloon. Option D, CABG, is a surgical procedure where arteries or veins are used to bypass blocked coronary arteries, not using a catheter.
Question 2 of 5
Which order should the nurse question?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The addition of a beta blocker with digoxin. When combined, beta blockers can enhance the effects of digoxin, leading to an increased risk of bradycardia and heart block. This combination can also exacerbate digoxin toxicity. Therefore, the nurse should question the addition of a beta blocker with digoxin to prevent potential adverse effects. Incorrect choices: A: The addition of a loop diuretic with digoxin - Loop diuretics may lead to hypokalemia, which can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. C: A digoxin dose of 0.125 mg per day - This is within the recommended dose range for digoxin and does not pose a significant concern. D: The addition of an ACE inhibitor with digoxin - ACE inhibitors are commonly used in combination with digoxin and do not typically interact negatively.
Question 3 of 5
The healthcare provider is administering IV nitroglycerin to a patient for chest pain. What is the most critical parameter to monitor?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Blood pressure. When administering IV nitroglycerin for chest pain, monitoring blood pressure is critical due to its vasodilatory effect, which can cause hypotension. Monitoring blood pressure helps prevent potential adverse effects like hypotension-related symptoms or complications. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate are also important parameters to monitor, but blood pressure takes precedence in this scenario due to the potential for significant hemodynamic changes.
Question 4 of 5
The healthcare provider is monitoring a client on an ACE inhibitor. What lab value is most important to monitor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium. ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia, so monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent potential life-threatening complications. High potassium levels can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Sodium levels are not typically affected by ACE inhibitors. Creatinine is important to monitor for kidney function but not specific to ACE inhibitors. Calcium levels are not directly affected by ACE inhibitors.
Question 5 of 5
The client is being taught about the use of warfarin. What is the most important dietary instruction?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid foods high in vitamin K. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Consuming foods high in vitamin K can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin. By avoiding these foods, the client can maintain consistent levels of the medication in their system. Choice B is incorrect as increasing vitamin K-rich foods can counteract the effects of warfarin. Choice C is incorrect as there is no need to avoid foods high in protein when taking warfarin. Choice D is incorrect as increasing calcium intake does not have a direct impact on warfarin therapy.