ATI RN
ATI RN Custom 2023 Med-Surg Cardiovascular Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has developed a thrombus and is receiving heparin by continuous IV infusion. The client asks the nurse how long will it take for the heparin to dissolve the clot. Which of the following responses should the nurse give?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Heparin prevents further clot formation by enhancing antithrombin activity but does not dissolve existing clots; thrombolytics are needed for that.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is reviewing the EKG strip of a client who is hypotensive and is complaining of leg cramping. Which of the following abnormalities on the client's EKG should the nurse interpret as a sign of hypokalemia?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia often causes a prominent U wave on an ECG due to delayed ventricular repolarization.
Question 3 of 5
Which action by the nurse will determine if therapies ordered for a patient with chronic constrictive pericarditis are effective?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Jugular venous distention is a key sign of constrictive pericarditis due to impaired diastolic filling; its reduction indicates effective therapy.
Question 4 of 5
A client is experiencing atrial fibrillation for 2 weeks and did not respond to medication therapy. The client is scheduled for an elective (outpatient) cardioversion. Which other procedure or test does the nurse anticipate this client will need?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A transesophageal echocardiogram is needed before cardioversion in prolonged atrial fibrillation to rule out atrial thrombi, which could embolize during the procedure.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse in an urgent care center is assessing a client who reports a sudden onset of irregular palpitations, fatigue, and dizziness. The nurse finds a rapid and irregular heart rate on the cardiac monitor. Which dysrhythmias should the nurse expect to find on the EKG?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Symptoms of irregular palpitations, fatigue, and dizziness with a rapid, irregular heart rate are classic for atrial fibrillation.