physical exam cardiovascular system Physical Exam Cardiovascular System - Nursing Elites
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Physical Exam Cardiovascular System

1. What is a condition where the lung's alveoli are permanently enlarged and damaged, leading to shortness of breath?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Emphysema is the correct answer. It is a chronic lung condition characterized by the permanent enlargement and damage of the alveoli, leading to shortness of breath and impaired oxygen exchange. Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not specifically related to alveolar damage. Atelectasis is the collapse of lung tissue, not enlargement. Pulmonary fibrosis involves scarring and thickening of lung tissue, different from the alveolar damage seen in emphysema.

2. The client on digoxin has a potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin and low potassium levels can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Administering a potassium supplement (choice A) without healthcare provider guidance can worsen the situation. Continuing the current digoxin dose (choice C) can further increase the risk of toxicity. Administering Digibind (choice D) is used in severe cases of digoxin toxicity, not for addressing low potassium levels.

3. The client on furosemide (Lasix) is complaining of muscle cramps. What electrolyte imbalance should the nurse suspect?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Hypokalemia. Muscle cramps are a common symptom of hypokalemia, an electrolyte imbalance characterized by low potassium levels. Furosemide, a loop diuretic like Lasix, can lead to potassium loss in the body, contributing to hypokalemia. Choice A, Hyperkalemia, is incorrect as it refers to high potassium levels. Choice B, Hyponatremia, is incorrect as it pertains to low sodium levels. Choice C, Hypocalcemia, is incorrect as it relates to low calcium levels, not typically associated with muscle cramps in the context of furosemide use.

4. The client is on a calcium channel blocker. What is the expected effect on the heart?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client is on a calcium channel blocker, the expected effect on the heart is a decreased heart rate and decreased blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers work by dilating blood vessels and reducing the heart's workload, resulting in decreased blood pressure. Choice A, increased heart rate, is incorrect as calcium channel blockers actually have a negative chronotropic effect, reducing the heart rate. Choice C, increased blood pressure, is also incorrect because these medications are used to lower blood pressure.

5. Which type of medication helps to reduce the workload on the heart by slowing down the heart rate?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Beta-blockers are medications that work by blocking the action of hormones like adrenaline, thereby reducing the heart rate and the workload on the heart. This makes them effective in managing high blood pressure and various heart conditions. Calcium channel blockers work by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the heart's workload, but they do not primarily slow down the heart rate. Diuretics help the body get rid of excess salt and water by increasing urine production, which can lower blood pressure but not by slowing down the heart rate. ACE inhibitors work by relaxing blood vessels, not by directly affecting heart rate.

Similar Questions

What test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect heart rhythm problems?
What test uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart, allowing doctors to see how well the heart is functioning?
Which valve prevents backflow of blood into the right ventricle from the pulmonary artery?
What is a condition where the lung's air sacs (alveoli) are damaged and enlarged, leading to breathlessness?
The nurse is caring for a client on warfarin with an INR of 5.2. What is the most appropriate action?
ATI TEAS 7 Exam Overview

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 50,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access @ $69.99

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 50,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access @ $149.99