ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam
1. The client is on nitroglycerin patches. What should the nurse include in the client’s education?
- A. Rotate the application site with each new patch.
- B. Apply the patch at the same time each day.
- C. Leave the patch on for 24 hours, then remove it for 12 hours before applying a new one.
- D. Apply the patch to the same site each time.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Rotate the application site with each new patch.' When educating a client using nitroglycerin patches, it is essential to rotate the application site to prevent skin irritation. Choice B is incorrect because applying the patch at the same time each day is not a critical aspect of patch application. Choice C is incorrect as nitroglycerin patches are usually left on for a specific period, typically 12 to 14 hours, before being replaced. Choice D is incorrect because applying the patch to the same site each time can lead to skin irritation and tolerance development.
2. What test uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the heart, allowing doctors to assess its structure and function?
- A. Echocardiogram
- B. MRI
- C. CT scan
- D. X-ray
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram utilizes high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the heart, enabling doctors to evaluate its structure, function, and detect any abnormalities. MRI (Choice B) uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body's structures. CT scan (Choice C) combines X-rays and computer technology to create cross-sectional images of the body. X-ray (Choice D) uses electromagnetic radiation to produce images of the internal structures of the body, but it is not the most suitable for assessing the heart's structure and function.
3. The client is on digoxin and has severe digoxin toxicity. What is the nursing priority action?
- A. Check the potassium level.
- B. Give Digibind as an antidote.
- C. Change the dosing of digoxin to every other day.
- D. Administer a potassium supplement to decrease digoxin toxicity.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to give Digibind as an antidote in cases of severe digoxin toxicity. Digibind works by binding to digoxin and preventing it from causing further harm. Checking the potassium level (choice A) is important but not the priority when the client has severe toxicity. Changing the dosing to every other day (choice C) is not appropriate in the setting of severe toxicity where immediate action is required. Giving a potassium supplement (choice D) may be needed eventually, but the priority is to administer Digibind to counteract the toxic effects of digoxin.
4. The nurse is caring for a client on warfarin with an INR of 1.8. What is the most appropriate action?
- A. Increase the dose of warfarin.
- B. Administer vitamin K.
- C. Hold the warfarin and notify the healthcare provider.
- D. Monitor the client’s INR closely.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: An INR of 1.8 is below the therapeutic range for a client on warfarin, indicating the need for monitoring closely to ensure that the INR levels reach the desired therapeutic range. Increasing the dose of warfarin (Choice A) without proper monitoring may lead to an increased risk of bleeding. Administering vitamin K (Choice B) is not typically recommended unless the client is experiencing major bleeding or requires rapid reversal of warfarin's effects. Holding the warfarin and notifying the healthcare provider (Choice C) may be necessary in certain situations, but the immediate action in this case should be to monitor the client's INR closely to guide further management.
5. Which condition refers to the heart being unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs?
- A. Heart failure
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Cardiomyopathy
- D. Pericarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, heart failure. This condition occurs when the heart can't pump enough blood to fulfill the body's requirements. Myocardial infarction (choice B) is the medical term for a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries. Cardiomyopathy (choice C) is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood. Pericarditis (choice D) is the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart, and does not specifically involve the heart's inability to pump sufficient blood.
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