ATI RN
Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which patient at the cardiovascular clinic requires the most immediate action by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The patient with stable angina whose chest pain has recently increased in frequency requires immediate action as it could indicate a worsening condition or impending cardiac event. Stable angina worsening suggests unstable angina or even a heart attack. Regular angina may progress rapidly to an acute coronary syndrome. The other choices are not as urgent: A's blood glucose is slightly elevated but not critical for immediate intervention; C's high cholesterol, while concerning, does not require immediate action; and D's elevated blood pressure, although high, does not indicate immediate danger unless accompanied by symptoms.
Question 2 of 5
A client comes to the emergency department with a dissecting aortic aneurysm. The client is at greatest risk for:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: cardiogenic shock. In a dissecting aortic aneurysm, the inner layer of the aorta tears, leading to blood leaking into the middle layer. This can result in decreased cardiac output, leading to cardiogenic shock. Septic shock (A) is caused by severe infection, anaphylactic shock (B) is an extreme allergic reaction, and hypovolemic shock (D) is due to severe blood loss. In this scenario, the primary concern is the compromised cardiac function due to the dissecting aortic aneurysm, placing the client at greatest risk for cardiogenic shock.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse has admitted a client to the emergency room with complaints of chest pain over the previous 2 hours. There are no clear changes on the 12-lead. The nurse would expect which laboratory test to provide confirmation of a myocardial infarction (MI)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: CK of 320 with MB of 12%. Creatinine kinase (CK) is an enzyme released into the bloodstream when muscle cells, including heart muscle cells, are damaged. The MB fraction specifically indicates cardiac muscle damage. A CK level of 320 with an MB percentage of 12% is indicative of myocardial infarction (MI). This combination of values provides confirmation of cardiac muscle damage and points towards an MI diagnosis. Choice A: Potassium level is not specific to MI diagnosis. Choice B: CK level of 545 with MB of 4% is lower than the correct answer, which indicates less cardiac muscle damage. Choice D: WBC count is not specific to MI and indicates inflammation or infection rather than cardiac muscle damage.
Question 4 of 5
A client's angiogram demonstrates the final stage of atherosclerosis. The nurse concludes that this client's pathophysiology includes which of the following elements?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The presence of atheromas. Atheromas are plaques that form in the arterial wall due to the accumulation of cholesterol and other substances. In the final stage of atherosclerosis, these atheromas can lead to complete blockages or rupture, causing serious health issues. Choice B (Fatty deposits in the intima) is incorrect because while fatty deposits are a part of atherosclerosis, the final stage involves the formation of atheromas, not just fatty deposits. Choice C (Lipoprotein accumulation in the intima) is incorrect because lipoprotein accumulation is an early stage of atherosclerosis, not the final stage involving atheromas. Choice D (Inflammation of the arterial wall) is incorrect because although inflammation plays a role in atherosclerosis, the final stage is characterized by the presence of atheromas, not just inflammation.
Question 5 of 5
A 6-year-old child has been diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta. Lately, he has been complaining when he comes in from recess. The health nurse should question the child about which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Weakness and pain in legs. In a child with coarctation of the aorta, there is a narrowing of the aorta which can lead to decreased blood flow to the lower extremities. This can result in symptoms such as weakness and pain in the legs, especially during physical activity like recess. By questioning the child about these symptoms, the nurse can assess the severity of the condition and determine the need for further evaluation or intervention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because blurred vision, increased respiratory rate, and bruises on shins are not typically associated with coarctation of the aorta. These symptoms may indicate other health issues but are not directly related to the condition in this case.