ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which parameter is elevated in right- sided heart failure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: CVP. In right-sided heart failure, the right side of the heart is unable to effectively pump blood to the lungs, leading to increased pressure in the venous system. Central venous pressure (CVP) measures the pressure in the vena cava near the right atrium, reflecting the pressure in the right side of the heart. Elevated CVP is a key indicator of right-sided heart failure. Left-ventricular end-diastolic pressure (B) and pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) (C) are more indicative of left-sided heart failure, not right-sided. Cardiac output (D) may decrease in heart failure, but it is not specific to right-sided heart failure.
Question 2 of 5
The client is being given a beta blocker. What must the nurse do prior to giving the drug?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Check the apical pulse for one minute. Before administering a beta blocker, it is essential to assess the client's heart rate because beta blockers can slow down the heart rate. Checking the apical pulse for one minute allows the nurse to establish a baseline heart rate and determine if the client's heart rate is within the safe parameters for administering the medication. This step ensures the client's safety and helps monitor for any potential adverse effects related to bradycardia. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not directly related to the specific action required prior to administering a beta blocker.
Question 3 of 5
The client is taking a calcium channel blocker for an arrhythmia. What is a contraindication to giving the client this drug?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Wolff-Parkinson White syndrome. Calcium channel blockers can worsen the pre-excitation in patients with WPW syndrome, leading to rapid conduction through the accessory pathway and potentially causing ventricular fibrillation. A: Hypertension is not a contraindication for calcium channel blockers as they are commonly used to treat hypertension. B: First degree AV block is not a contraindication, as calcium channel blockers can be used cautiously in patients with conduction abnormalities. D: Glaucoma is not a contraindication to calcium channel blockers, as they are not known to exacerbate glaucoma.
Question 4 of 5
The client has a decreased cardiac output. Which things can increase the client’s cardiac output? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased heart rate. Increasing heart rate can help compensate for decreased cardiac output by improving the heart's efficiency in pumping blood. This allows for more blood to be pumped out of the heart per minute, ultimately increasing cardiac output. Decreased heart rate (choice A) would further decrease cardiac output by reducing the number of heartbeats per minute. Increased blood volume (choice C) can lead to increased preload and potentially worsen cardiac output in a compromised heart. Decreased venous return to the heart (choice D) reduces the amount of blood returning to the heart, which can also decrease cardiac output.
Question 5 of 5
The client is being taught about their warfarin. What does the nurse say about warfarin?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (A): Warfarin antagonizes vitamin K, inhibiting the production of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. This action leads to decreased blood clotting ability. Summary for Incorrect Choices: B: Warfarin is not an antiplatelet drug; it works by affecting clotting factors, not platelets. C: Warfarin does not cause fibrinolysis (breakdown of blood clots); it inhibits clotting factor production. D: Warfarin does not directly inactivate clotting factors; it interferes with their synthesis through vitamin K antagonism.