ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
When titrating IV nitroglycerin for a patient with a myocardial infarction (MI), which action will the nurse take to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ask about chest pain. In evaluating the effectiveness of IV nitroglycerin for a patient with MI, asking about chest pain is crucial as nitroglycerin is primarily used to relieve chest pain associated with angina and MI. By assessing if the patient's chest pain has improved or resolved, the nurse can determine the drug's effectiveness. Monitoring heart rate (A) may not directly reflect the drug's effectiveness in relieving chest pain. Checking blood pressure (C) may be important but not the primary indicator of nitroglycerin efficacy. Observing for dysrhythmias (D) is important but not a direct measure of chest pain relief.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse obtains the following data when assessing a patient who experienced an ST- segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) 2 days previously. Which information is most important to report to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Bilateral crackles in the mid-lower lobes are indicative of possible pulmonary edema, a common complication post-STEMI that requires immediate medical attention to prevent respiratory distress. Reporting this symptom promptly can help the provider initiate appropriate interventions. A: Elevated troponin levels are expected post-STEMI and are not typically an acute concern after 2 days. B: Patient denial of heart attack history may indicate a lack of awareness but does not require immediate intervention. D: Occasional premature atrial contractions are common and not typically urgent in the context of a recent STEMI.
Question 3 of 5
A key diagnostic test for heart failure is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: B-type natriuretic peptide. BNP is a hormone secreted by the heart in response to increased pressure and volume overload, which are hallmark features of heart failure. Elevated BNP levels indicate heart failure. Serum potassium (A) is not specific to heart failure. Troponin I (C) and cardiac enzymes (D) are markers of cardiac injury, not heart failure. BNP is the most specific and sensitive diagnostic test for heart failure.
Question 4 of 5
A client with unstable angina receives routine applications of nitroglycerin ointment. The nurse should delay the next dose if the client has:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a systolic blood pressure below 90 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which can be exacerbated by nitroglycerin causing further blood pressure drop. Delaying the dose allows the blood pressure to stabilize. A: Atrial fibrillation is not a contraindication for nitroglycerin use. C: Headache is a common side effect of nitroglycerin but does not require delaying the dose. D: Skin redness at the current site may indicate a local reaction but does not necessarily require delaying the dose.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a child with a cyanotic heart defect. Which signs should the nurse expect to observe?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cyanosis, hypertension, clubbing, and lethargy. In a child with a cyanotic heart defect, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes) is expected due to decreased oxygen levels. Hypertension may occur as a compensatory mechanism to maintain perfusion. Clubbing can develop due to chronic hypoxia. Lethargy is common due to inadequate oxygenation. Choice B is incorrect because hypotension is less likely in this scenario. Crouching is not a typical sign of a cyanotic heart defect. Choice C is incorrect because irritability is less likely compared to lethargy in this situation. Crouching is not a common sign of a cyanotic heart defect. Choice D is incorrect because confusion and clonus are not typical signs of a cyanotic heart defect in children. Crouching is also not a common sign in this context.