ATI RN
ATI RN Custom Cardiovascular Med Surg Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A patient who has chronic heart failure is admitted to the emergency department with severe dyspnea and a dry, hacking cough. Which action would the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: In a patient with severe dyspnea and a dry, hacking cough, auscultating the breath sounds would be the first action to assess for any abnormalities. Capillary refill, abdominal auscultation, and allergies are less immediate priorities.
Rationale:
Extract:
A nurse is caring for an adolescent in an emergency department.
Vital Signs.
2300: Medical History.
Blood pressure 120/78 mm Hg. Apical pulse rate 100/min.
Respiratory rate 20/min.
2400: Temperature 37.9° C (100.2° F). Oxygen saturation 98% on room air.
Nurses' Notes.
Blood pressure 112/64 mm Hg. Apical pulse rate 108/min.
Respiratory rate 28/min.
Temperature 38.9° C (102° F). Oxygen saturation 95% on room air.
Medical History.
History of rheumatic fever with resulting cardiac valve damage.
Nurses' Notes.
2300: Adolescent brought to emergency department by their parent.
Adolescent reports intermittent low-grade fever and anorexia.
Manifestations presented a few days after having dental work performed.
Now they are worse.
Adolescent noticed shortness of breath with exertion today.
Adolescent in semi-reclining position.
Respirations easy and unlabored while at rest.
Mild dyspnea observed when adolescent ambulated to the room.
Lung sounds clear bilaterally.
Oral mucous membranes pink with petechiae noted.
Adolescent reports diffuse joint pain as 2 on a scale of 0 to 10. 2400: Adolescent restless and sweating, sitting in high-Fowler's position.
Dyspnea noted at rest.
Adolescent reports pain in mid-chest as dull, aching, and as 2 on a scale of 0 to 10. Few coarse rales auscultated bilaterally
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for an adolescent in an emergency department. Which of the following should the nurse anticipate the provider will prescribe?
Correct Answer: Obtaining blood cultures, administering antibiotics, and obtaining an echocardiogram are anticipated due to suspected endocarditis from recent dental work and symptoms like fever and dyspnea. Restricting dental hygiene and strenuous exercise are contraindicated as they could worsen the condition or are unnecessary.
Rationale:
Extract:
Question 3 of 5
A patient with a history of hypertension arrives in the emergency department with a blood pressure (BP) reading of 213/126 mm Hg. The patient has a history of drug abuse. Which of the following initial questions posed by the nurse is MOST appropriate?
Correct Answer: Cocaine or crack use can cause a significant and dangerous increase in blood pressure. Given the patient's history of drug abuse and the current high blood pressure reading, this is a critical question to ask. Tylenol, stress, and salty foods are less likely to cause such an acute spike.
Rationale:
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient with myocarditis before giving a scheduled dose of digoxin (Lanoxin). Which finding is most important for the nurse to communicate to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: An irregular pulse could indicate that myocarditis is affecting the heart's electrical system, leading to an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia. This could potentially affect the action of digoxin, a medication used to treat heart conditions, and therefore should be communicated to the healthcare provider.
Rationale:
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is providing teaching about the patient's laboratory values that increase the risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). Which of the following values should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: A fasting triglyceride level of 167 mg/dL is above the desirable level of less than 150 mg/dL, indicating a higher risk for CAD. HDL is protective, LDL is near optimal, and total cholesterol is within normal range.
Rationale: