ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following blood vessels is commonly affected by thrombophlebitis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because veins deep in the lower extremities are commonly affected by thrombophlebitis due to factors like immobility, obesity, and venous stasis. Thrombophlebitis refers to inflammation of a vein with the formation of a blood clot. The lower extremities are more prone to this condition as blood flow is slower in the veins of the legs compared to the upper extremities. Popliteal vein of the leg (choice C) is a specific vein in the lower extremities commonly affected. Veins deep in the upper extremities (choice A) are less commonly affected. Veins connected to the heart (choice D) are arteries, not veins, and are not typically affected by thrombophlebitis.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is teaching a client with a history of dysrhythmias about changes in diet. Which of the following does the nurse suggest to the client to prevent catecholamine release, which may cause dangerous dysrhythmias?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Drink no more than 6 oz. of beer or wine per day. Catecholamines are released in response to stress or stimulation. Alcohol consumption can lead to catecholamine release, potentially causing dysrhythmias. Limiting alcohol intake can help prevent this. A: Eating a low salt, high fiber diet may be beneficial for overall heart health, but it does not directly address catecholamine release. C: Drinking a lot of water is important for hydration, but it does not specifically prevent catecholamine release. D: Eating a variety of foods according to the food pyramid is generally good for overall health but does not directly address catecholamine release.
Question 3 of 5
Which assessment is the most important in determining the amount of fluid that the client is retaining?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Daily weights. Daily weights are crucial in monitoring fluid retention as they provide a direct measure of changes in the body's fluid balance. Sudden weight gain can indicate fluid retention, such as in heart failure. Heart sounds (A) are important for assessing heart function but do not directly measure fluid retention. Peripheral pulses (B) are mainly used to assess circulation and not fluid retention. Peripheral edema (D) is a visible sign of fluid retention, but daily weights provide a more accurate and quantitative measure of fluid status.
Question 4 of 5
Your patient is experiencing thrombophlebitis. Which of the following medications would you expect to administer for this condition?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heparin. Heparin is an anticoagulant that helps prevent blood clot formation, which is crucial in treating thrombophlebitis. It works by inhibiting clotting factors and preventing further clot growth. B: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used for hypertension, not thrombophlebitis. C: Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication used for heart rhythm disorders, not thrombophlebitis. D: Furosemide is a diuretic used for edema and high blood pressure, not thrombophlebitis.
Question 5 of 5
A patient comes to the emergency department (ED) and reports a swollen and painful leg but denies sustaining any injury. The physical examination reveals a tense calf muscle, decreased sensation to the foot and leg, and absent pedal pulses. The cardiac-vascular nurse asks the patient when the symptoms began because:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because irreversible anoxic injury to muscles and nerves can occur in as few as four hours in cases of acute arterial occlusion. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention to restore blood flow and prevent tissue damage. A: Arterial thrombosis and embolism both lead to sudden occlusion of blood vessels, but the focus here is on the rapid onset of irreversible tissue damage, not the timing of symptom development. B: Compartment syndrome usually occurs hours to days after arterial occlusion, not days after. However, the key here is the potential for irreversible anoxic injury within a shorter timeframe. D: Metabolic alkalosis from muscle swelling is not directly related to the symptoms described and is not cardiotoxic in this context.