ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam
1. The nurse is administering an ACE inhibitor to a client. What is the most common side effect?
- A. Cough
- B. Dizziness
- C. Hypotension
- D. Hyperkalemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough. Cough is a well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors due to an increase in bradykinin levels. This irritating cough can be bothersome to clients and should be monitored. Choice B, Dizziness, is not the most common side effect of ACE inhibitors. While ACE inhibitors can cause hypotension (Choice C), cough is more prevalent. Hyperkalemia (Choice D) is a possible side effect of ACE inhibitors but is less common compared to cough.
2. When administering enoxaparin (Lovenox) to a client, what is the most important lab value to monitor?
- A. Platelet count
- B. aPTT
- C. Hemoglobin
- D. INR
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count. When administering enoxaparin (Lovenox), it is crucial to monitor the platelet count because enoxaparin can cause a rare but serious side effect known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, which is a decrease in platelet count that can lead to increased risk of bleeding. Monitoring the platelet count allows for early detection of this potential complication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because aPTT, Hemoglobin, and INR are not the most important lab values to monitor specifically when administering enoxaparin.
3. The client asks about side effects of taking digoxin. How does the nurse respond?
- A. Anorexia can be a side effect of digoxin.
- B. Tachycardia can be a side effect of digoxin.
- C. Constipation can be a side effect of digoxin.
- D. Urinary retention can be a side effect of digoxin.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Anorexia can be a side effect of digoxin.' Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are commonly known side effects of digoxin. Choice B, 'Tachycardia can be a side effect of digoxin,' is incorrect as digoxin is used to treat tachycardia, not cause it. Choice C, 'Constipation can be a side effect of digoxin,' is incorrect as constipation is not a typical side effect of digoxin. Choice D, 'Urinary retention can be a side effect of digoxin,' is also incorrect as urinary retention is not a common side effect associated with digoxin use.
4. Which condition is characterized by the lungs becoming scarred and stiff, leading to difficulty breathing and inadequate oxygen intake into the bloodstream?
- A. Pulmonary fibrosis
- B. Cystic fibrosis
- C. COPD
- D. Tuberculosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease where lung tissue is damaged and scarred, resulting in breathing difficulties and decreased oxygen transfer into the bloodstream. Cystic fibrosis (B) is a genetic disorder primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system, not causing lung scarring. COPD (C) includes conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema but doesn't specifically involve lung scarring. Tuberculosis (D) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but doesn't cause lung tissue scarring and stiffness as seen in pulmonary fibrosis.
5. A client on an ACE inhibitor reports a persistent cough. What is the nurse’s best response?
- A. Reassure the client that the cough is a common side effect and is usually not serious.
- B. Instruct the client to report the cough to the healthcare provider as it may require discontinuation of the medication.
- C. Advise the client to use a humidifier at night to relieve the cough.
- D. Suggest the client take an over-the-counter cough suppressant.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. A persistent cough in a client on an ACE inhibitor may indicate a serious side effect that requires discontinuation of the medication. Instructing the client to report the cough to the healthcare provider is essential for proper evaluation and management. Choice A is incorrect because simply reassuring the client may delay necessary action. Choice C is incorrect as using a humidifier may not address the underlying cause of the cough. Choice D is incorrect because taking a cough suppressant without healthcare provider guidance may mask symptoms without addressing the cause.
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