ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following is a chronic condition where the heart muscle is weakened and unable to pump blood effectively, often leading to heart failure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: 1. Dilated cardiomyopathy (A) is characterized by the heart muscle becoming weak and enlarged, leading to ineffective pumping. 2. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (B) involves thickened heart muscle but not necessarily weakened. 3. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (C) involves stiffening of the heart muscle, not necessarily weakening. 4. Myocarditis (D) is inflammation of the heart muscle, not specifically related to chronic weakening and heart failure. Therefore, A is the correct answer as it directly relates to the weakened heart muscle leading to ineffective pumping and heart failure.
Question 2 of 5
The healthcare provider is administering IV nitroglycerin to a patient for chest pain. What is the most critical parameter to monitor?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Blood pressure. When administering IV nitroglycerin for chest pain, monitoring blood pressure is critical due to its vasodilatory effect, which can cause hypotension. Monitoring blood pressure helps prevent potential adverse effects like hypotension-related symptoms or complications. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate are also important parameters to monitor, but blood pressure takes precedence in this scenario due to the potential for significant hemodynamic changes.
Question 3 of 5
The healthcare provider is monitoring a client on an ACE inhibitor. What lab value is most important to monitor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium. ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia, so monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent potential life-threatening complications. High potassium levels can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Sodium levels are not typically affected by ACE inhibitors. Creatinine is important to monitor for kidney function but not specific to ACE inhibitors. Calcium levels are not directly affected by ACE inhibitors.
Question 4 of 5
The client is being taught about the use of warfarin. What is the most important dietary instruction?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid foods high in vitamin K. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Consuming foods high in vitamin K can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin. By avoiding these foods, the client can maintain consistent levels of the medication in their system. Choice B is incorrect as increasing vitamin K-rich foods can counteract the effects of warfarin. Choice C is incorrect as there is no need to avoid foods high in protein when taking warfarin. Choice D is incorrect as increasing calcium intake does not have a direct impact on warfarin therapy.
Question 5 of 5
The client is on enalapril (Vasotec) for hypertension. What side effect is most commonly associated with this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dry cough. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor, which commonly causes a dry cough due to increased bradykinin levels. This side effect is well-documented in literature and can lead to medication non-adherence. Other choices (B) Hypotension, (C) Hyperkalemia, and (D) Headache are potential side effects of enalapril but are not as commonly associated as dry cough. Hypotension and hyperkalemia are more serious adverse effects that require monitoring, while headache is a less common side effect compared to dry cough.