ATI RN
Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
When caring for a patient who has just arrived on the telemetry unit after having cardiac catheterization, which nursing intervention should the nurse delegate to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Give the scheduled aspirin and lipid-lowering medication. This task can be safely delegated to an LPN/LVN as it involves administering medications within their scope of practice. LPNs/LVNs are trained to administer medications and can handle routine medication administration. Performing the initial assessment of the catheter insertion site (B) requires a higher level of assessment skill typically performed by a registered nurse. Teaching the patient about the postprocedure plan of care (C) involves patient education, which is usually done by a registered nurse. Titrating the heparin infusion (D) requires advanced knowledge and skill, usually performed by a registered nurse or advanced practice nurse.
Question 2 of 5
A client has developed acute pulmonary edema. Which test result should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Interstitial edema by chest X-ray. Pulmonary edema causes fluid accumulation in the lungs' interstitial spaces, visible on X-ray. Choice B is incorrect as pulmonary edema typically leads to respiratory acidosis, not metabolic alkalosis (Choice B). Choice C is incorrect as bradycardia is not a typical manifestation of acute pulmonary edema. Choice D is incorrect as pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is usually elevated in pulmonary edema, not decreased. Thus, the most appropriate test to confirm acute pulmonary edema is a chest X-ray showing interstitial edema.
Question 3 of 5
A client comes to the emergency department with a dissecting aortic aneurysm. The client is at greatest risk for:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: cardiogenic shock. Dissecting aortic aneurysm can lead to decreased cardiac output due to the disruption of normal blood flow in the aorta. This can result in heart failure and subsequent cardiogenic shock. Septic shock (choice A) is caused by severe infection, anaphylactic shock (choice B) is triggered by severe allergic reactions, and hypovolemic shock (choice D) is due to a significant loss of blood or fluids. However, in the case of a dissecting aortic aneurysm, the primary concern is the impact on cardiac function, making cardiogenic shock the greatest risk for the client.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse has admitted a client to the emergency room with complaints of chest pain over the previous 2 hours. There are no clear changes on the 12-lead. The nurse would expect which laboratory test to provide confirmation of a myocardial infarction (MI)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: CK of 320 with MB of 12%. Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme released when there is damage to muscle tissue, including the heart muscle. The MB fraction of CK is specific to cardiac muscle, so an elevated CK with a high MB fraction indicates myocardial damage, confirming a myocardial infarction (MI). Options A, B, and D do not specifically indicate myocardial damage. Potassium levels are not typically indicative of an MI. CK of 545 with MB of 4% is lower than the correct choice, and WBC count is not a specific indicator of an MI.
Question 5 of 5
A client's angiogram demonstrates the final stage of atherosclerosis. The nurse concludes that this client's pathophysiology includes which of the following elements?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The presence of atheromas. Atheromas are the characteristic plaques formed in the arteries during the final stage of atherosclerosis. These plaques consist of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances. Choice B is not specific to the final stage of atherosclerosis but rather a general characteristic of the condition. Choice C, lipoprotein accumulation in the intima, is a contributing factor to atherosclerosis but not specific to the final stage. Choice D, inflammation of the arterial wall, is a feature seen throughout the progression of atherosclerosis, not just in the final stage. Thus, the presence of atheromas best represents the final stage of atherosclerosis.