ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers
1. The client is on amiodarone and reports blurred vision. What is the nurse’s best response?
- A. Reassure the client that this is a common side effect.
- B. Instruct the client to report this symptom to the healthcare provider immediately.
- C. Advise the client to stop taking the medication.
- D. Discontinue the amiodarone immediately.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Blurred vision is a potential side effect of amiodarone. Instructing the client to report this symptom to the healthcare provider immediately is the most appropriate response. Choice A is incorrect because although blurred vision can be a common side effect of amiodarone, it should not be dismissed without further evaluation. Choice C is incorrect as advising the client to stop taking the medication without consulting the healthcare provider can be dangerous and is not the first course of action. Choice D is too drastic as discontinuing the medication should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider after proper evaluation.
2. What procedure uses a balloon to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the heart?
- A. Angioplasty
- B. Coronary artery bypass graft
- C. Stent placement
- D. Valve replacement
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Angioplasty. Angioplasty is a procedure that involves using a balloon to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the heart, thereby improving blood flow. This choice is correct because it directly matches the description provided in the question. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they involve different procedures: Bypass graft is a surgical procedure to redirect blood flow, stent placement involves inserting a mesh tube to keep an artery open, and valve replacement is the surgical replacement of a heart valve.
3. The client is on a nitrate for angina. What is the most common side effect the nurse should monitor for?
- A. Headache
- B. Flushing
- C. Dizziness
- D. Nausea
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Headache. Nitrates commonly cause headaches as a side effect due to vasodilation. Flushing, dizziness, and nausea are less common side effects associated with nitrates. Flushing is more related to the dilation of blood vessels closer to the skin's surface, dizziness could occur but is not as common as headaches, and nausea is a less typical side effect of nitrates.
4. After the AV node, the electrical impulse is then transmitted into the _________, and into the _________.
- A. Purkinje fibers, ventricles
- B. Atria, ventricles
- C. Bundle of His, Purkinje fibers
- D. Ventricles, Purkinje fibers
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. After the AV node, the electrical impulse is transmitted to the Bundle of His and then to the Purkinje fibers. This sequence is crucial for the coordinated contraction of the ventricles. Choice A (Purkinje fibers, ventricles) is incorrect because the Purkinje fibers come after the Bundle of His in the sequence of electrical conduction. Choice B (Atria, ventricles) is incorrect because the impulse does not go back to the atria after passing through the AV node. Choice D (Ventricles, Purkinje fibers) is incorrect because the impulse first reaches the Bundle of His before spreading to the Purkinje fibers.
5. The client is on hydrochlorothiazide and digoxin. What effect can the nurse expect?
- A. Hydrochlorothiazide increases digoxin levels.
- B. Hydrochlorothiazide decreases digoxin levels.
- C. Hydrochlorothiazide decreases potassium, increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.
- D. Digoxin can increase the effectiveness of hydrochlorothiazide.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that can decrease potassium levels, which in turn can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin typically doesn't impact hydrochlorothiazide levels or effectiveness, making choices A, B, and D incorrect. Choice A stating that hydrochlorothiazide increases digoxin levels is inaccurate. Choice B suggesting that hydrochlorothiazide decreases digoxin levels is also incorrect. Choice D, stating that digoxin can increase the effectiveness of hydrochlorothiazide, is not a typical interaction seen between these medications.
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