ATI RN
ATI RN Custom Cardiovascular Med Surg Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A patient who has recently had an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) ambulates in the hospital hallway. Which data would indicate to the nurse that the patient should stop and rest?
Correct Answer: An increase in heart rate from 66 to 98 beats/min indicates that the heart is working harder, which could be a sign of stress or exertion. This is a significant increase and could indicate that the patient needs to rest. O2 saturation, respiratory rate, and BP changes are within normal ranges.
Rationale:
Question 2 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 3 of 5
In preparation for discharge, the nurse teaches a patient with chronic stable angina how to use the prescribed short-acting and long-acting nitrates. Which patient statement indicates that the teaching has been effective?
Correct Answer: Sitting down before taking nitroglycerin can prevent dizziness and fainting, which are potential side effects of nitroglycerin. Checking pulse rate is not necessary, removing the patch is not required, and the patch is not used for acute chest pain.
Rationale:
Question 4 of 5
A patient who has heart failure recently started taking digoxin in addition to furosemide and captopril. Which finding by the home health nurse is a priority to communicate to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is below the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L), indicating hypokalemia, which can cause serious complications, especially with digoxin. Weight increase, liver palpation, and edema are concerning but less urgent.
Rationale:
Question 5 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: