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 is within the scope of practice for an LPN/LVN as it involves administering medications. LPN/LVNs are trained in medication administration and can safely give prescribed medications to patients. This intervention is crucial for the patient's post-cardiac catheterization care to prevent complications and promote recovery. Choice B is incorrect because assessing the catheter insertion site requires more specialized knowledge and skill, typically performed by a registered nurse or higher-level provider. Choice C involves patient education, which is usually the responsibility of the RN due to the complexity and importance of the information provided. Choice D involves titrating medications, which requires a higher level of assessment and decision-making that is typically within the RN's scope of practice.
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. Acute pulmonary edema results from fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to interstitial edema visible on chest X-ray. B is incorrect because pulmonary edema typically causes respiratory acidosis, not metabolic alkalosis. C is incorrect as bradycardia is not a typical finding in acute pulmonary edema; tachycardia is more common. D is incorrect because pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is usually elevated in acute pulmonary edema due to increased left ventricular filling pressure.
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. In a dissecting aortic aneurysm, the inner layer of the aorta tears, leading to blood leaking into the middle layer. This can result in decreased cardiac output, leading to cardiogenic shock. Septic shock (A) is caused by severe infection, anaphylactic shock (B) is an extreme allergic reaction, and hypovolemic shock (D) is due to severe blood loss. In this scenario, the primary concern is the compromised cardiac function due to the dissecting aortic aneurysm, placing the client at greatest risk for cardiogenic shock.
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%. Creatinine kinase (CK) is an enzyme released into the bloodstream when muscle cells, including heart muscle cells, are damaged. The MB fraction specifically indicates cardiac muscle damage. A CK level of 320 with an MB percentage of 12% is indicative of myocardial infarction (MI). This combination of values provides confirmation of cardiac muscle damage and points towards an MI diagnosis. Choice A: Potassium level is not specific to MI diagnosis. Choice B: CK level of 545 with MB of 4% is lower than the correct answer, which indicates less cardiac muscle damage. Choice D: WBC count is not specific to MI and indicates inflammation or infection rather than cardiac muscle damage.
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 plaques that form in the arterial wall due to the accumulation of cholesterol and other substances. In the final stage of atherosclerosis, these atheromas can lead to complete blockages or rupture, causing serious health issues. Choice B (Fatty deposits in the intima) is incorrect because while fatty deposits are a part of atherosclerosis, the final stage involves the formation of atheromas, not just fatty deposits. Choice C (Lipoprotein accumulation in the intima) is incorrect because lipoprotein accumulation is an early stage of atherosclerosis, not the final stage involving atheromas. Choice D (Inflammation of the arterial wall) is incorrect because although inflammation plays a role in atherosclerosis, the final stage is characterized by the presence of atheromas, not just inflammation.