ATI RN
Cardiovascular Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
When developing a teaching plan for a 61-yr-old patient with multiple risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), the nurse should focus primarily on the
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level. This is the most critical factor to focus on when developing a teaching plan for a patient with multiple risk factors for CAD. Elevated LDL is a major contributor to the development of atherosclerosis, a key process in CAD. Lowering LDL through lifestyle modifications or medication can significantly reduce the risk of CAD. A: Family history is important but cannot be modified. C: Gender is a non-modifiable risk factor and may play a role but is not as directly impactful as elevated LDL. D: While age is a risk factor for CAD, it is not as modifiable as lowering LDL levels. In summary, focusing on controlling the elevated LDL level through lifestyle changes and medication will have the most significant impact on reducing the patient's risk for CAD.
Question 2 of 5
A patient who is recovering from an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) asks the nurse when sexual intercourse can be resumed. Which response by the nurse is best?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Sexual activity uses about as much energy as climbing two flights of stairs. This response is best because it provides the patient with a tangible comparison to understand the energy expenditure involved in sexual activity post-AMI. It reassures the patient that resuming sexual activity is feasible and not overly strenuous on the heart. Choice A is incorrect because it oversimplifies the potential complications that can arise during sexual intercourse post-AMI. Choice C is incorrect as it defers the responsibility to the doctor without providing immediate guidance to the patient. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the patient's query about the timing of resuming sexual activity post-AMI.
Question 3 of 5
Which information about a patient who has been receiving thrombolytic therapy for an acute myocardial infarction is most important for the nurse to communicate to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: No change in the patient’s reported level of chest pain. This is the most important information to communicate as it could indicate a lack of effectiveness of the thrombolytic therapy in relieving the myocardial infarction symptoms. The other choices are less critical: A could be expected due to the nature of myocardial infarction, B could be a common side effect of IV insertion, and D could indicate a positive response to the therapy. It is essential to prioritize the patient's symptoms and response to treatment when communicating with the healthcare provider.
Question 4 of 5
A complication of peripheral vascular disease may be:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: stasis ulcer. Peripheral vascular disease causes poor blood flow to extremities, leading to tissue damage and delayed wound healing. Stasis ulcers occur due to decreased circulation, typically on lower legs. Pressure ulcers (B) result from prolonged pressure on skin, not directly related to vascular disease. Gastric (C) and duodenal (D) ulcers are gastrointestinal issues, not associated with peripheral vascular disease.
Question 5 of 5
A client with a myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock is placed on an intra- aortic ballon pump (IAPB). If the device is functioning properly, the balloon inflates when the:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: In cardiogenic shock, the heart is unable to pump effectively, leading to decreased blood flow. Step 2: The IABP helps improve coronary artery perfusion and cardiac output by inflating during diastole. Step 3: During diastole, the aortic valve is closed to prevent blood flow back into the left ventricle. Step 4: The inflated balloon in the aorta increases coronary perfusion and reduces afterload. Summary: Choice C is correct as the balloon inflates when the aortic valve is closed to improve coronary perfusion. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the physiological mechanism of the IABP.