ATI LPN
Cardiovascular Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Woman presents with belly pain. She was taking acetaminophen 4 g/d for 7 days. PMH PVD. PE + tenderness no rebound. Labs: Na 138, K 4.9, Cl 102, HCO3 7, creatinine 1.4, glucose, serum osmolarity 295, lactate 2.5. ABG: pH 7.17, PCO2 of 18; UA: pH of 5.5, tr ketones. Surgery revealed no IBD. Which ONE of the following is the MOST likely cause of the metabolic acidosis in this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Acetaminophen toxicity can lead to pyroglutamic acidosis, especially at high doses, causing severe anion gap metabolic acidosis.
Question 2 of 5
The majority of tachydysrhythmias are believed to occur because of
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Reentry is thought to be the culprit in most tachydysrhythmias. Reentry is a complex process in which a cardiac impulse continues to depolarize in a part of the heart after the main impulse has finished its path. Triggered activity occurs when an impulse is generated during or just after repolarization. Alterations in automaticity create electrolyte imbalances. Defective gap junctions are not related to tachydysrhythmias.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following is a correct statement about educating the patient with heart failure?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: All listed options (A-D) are correct, but since this must be a single-answer question, C is a key dietary recommendation. Patients should monitor weight (A), get vaccinated (B), and manage exacerbations (D).
Question 4 of 5
A patient with a history of hypertension treated with a diuretic and an angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE) inhibitor arrives in the emergency department. The patient reports a severe headache and nausea and has a blood pressure(BP) of 238/118 mm Hg. Which question should the nurse ask to follow up on these findings?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden withdrawal of antihypertensive medications can cause rebound hypertension and hypertensive crisis. Although many over-the-counter medications can cause hypertension, antihistamines and acetaminophen do not increase BP. Stressful events will increase BP but not usually to the level seen in this patient.
Question 5 of 5
Which action should the nurse take when administering the initial dose of oral labetalol (Normodyne) to a patient with hypertension?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Labetalol decreases sympathetic nervous system activity by blocking both α- and b-adrenergic receptors, leading to vasodilation and a decrease in heart rate, which can cause severe orthostatic hypotension. Heart palpitations, dry mouth, dehydration, and headaches are possible side effects of other antihypertensives.