ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
When administering furosemide (Lasix) to a client, which lab value is most important to monitor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss through increased urine output. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Sodium (B) and chloride (D) levels can also be affected by furosemide but are not as critical as potassium. Calcium (C) monitoring is not typically required when administering furosemide. By closely monitoring potassium levels, healthcare providers can prevent potential complications and ensure the safe administration of furosemide.
Question 2 of 5
The client is on amiodarone. What is the most important side effect to monitor for?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary toxicity. Amiodarone is known to cause potentially fatal pulmonary toxicity, including interstitial pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis. Monitoring for pulmonary symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, and chest pain is crucial. Choice B (Thyroid dysfunction) is a common side effect but is typically less urgent. Choices C (Liver toxicity) and D (Renal dysfunction) are possible side effects of amiodarone, but pulmonary toxicity is the most important to monitor due to its severity and potential fatality.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client on digoxin with a heart rate of 48 bpm. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 48 bpm is below the normal range, indicating bradycardia, a potential side effect of digoxin toxicity. Holding the medication and informing the healthcare provider is crucial to prevent further harm. Administering the digoxin (B) can worsen the bradycardia. Atropine (C) is not the first-line treatment for digoxin-induced bradycardia. Increasing the dose of digoxin (D) can exacerbate toxicity. Overall, prompt action to address the underlying cause is essential in this situation.
Question 4 of 5
The client on furosemide (Lasix) is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases potassium excretion in the urine, leading to low potassium levels in the body. Hypokalemia can result in muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and other serious complications. Hyperkalemia (choice A) is the opposite condition of high potassium levels and is not typically associated with furosemide use. Hyponatremia (choice C) is a low sodium level, which may be a potential side effect of furosemide but is not the primary electrolyte imbalance to be concerned about. Hypernatremia (choice D) is high sodium levels and is not directly related to furosemide use.
Question 5 of 5
The client is receiving digoxin and has a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. Digoxin toxicity is more likely to occur in patients with low potassium levels. With a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L, the client is at risk for digoxin toxicity. Holding the digoxin and notifying the healthcare provider is the priority action to prevent potential harm to the client. B: Increasing the dose of digoxin would exacerbate the risk of digoxin toxicity in a client with low potassium levels. C: Continuing the current dose of digoxin without addressing the low potassium level could lead to digoxin toxicity. D: Administering potassium supplements alone may not be sufficient to address the potential digoxin toxicity. Holding the digoxin is the priority action.