ATI RN
Physical Exam Cardiovascular System
1. The client on digoxin has a potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Administer a potassium supplement
- B. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider
- C. Continue the current digoxin dose
- D. Administer Digibind
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.
2. Which nonpharmacological intervention does not help reduce edema?
- A. Heat therapy
- B. Passive range of motion (PROM)
- C. Elevation of the extremity
- D. Cold therapy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heat therapy. Heat therapy can vasodilate blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the area and potentially exacerbating edema. Passive range of motion (PROM), elevation of the extremity, and cold therapy are all beneficial interventions for reducing edema. PROM helps with circulation, elevation assists in reducing fluid accumulation, and cold therapy can help constrict blood vessels and decrease swelling.
3. A client with heart failure has gained 2 kg (4.4 lbs) in the past 24 hours. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Restrict the client's fluid intake.
- B. Assess the client's respiratory status.
- C. Administer diuretics as ordered.
- D. Notify the healthcare provider.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Assessing the client's respiratory status is the priority as it helps determine if the weight gain is due to fluid retention affecting breathing. This assessment is crucial in addressing the immediate concern of potential respiratory distress before implementing interventions like fluid restriction, diuretics, or notifying the healthcare provider.
4. When educating a client starting a new prescription for metoprolol, which instruction should the nurse include?
- A. Check your pulse before taking the medication.
- B. Take the medication with food to increase absorption.
- C. Avoid sudden changes in position.
- D. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client starting metoprolol is to avoid sudden changes in position. Metoprolol can cause dizziness due to its blood pressure-lowering effects, increasing the risk of falls and injury. Instructing the client to change positions slowly helps prevent orthostatic hypotension and related adverse events. Checking the pulse before taking the medication (Choice A) is not typically necessary for metoprolol. Taking the medication with food (Choice B) is not required for absorption and can be taken with or without food. Monitoring blood pressure regularly (Choice D) is essential for clients taking metoprolol, but avoiding sudden changes in position is more critical to prevent dizziness and falls.
5. You are an emergency-room nurse caring for a trauma patient. Your patient has the following arterial blood gas results: pH 7.26, PaCO2 28, HCO3 11 mEq/L. How would you interpret these results?
- A. Respiratory acidosis with no compensation
- B. Metabolic alkalosis with a compensatory alkalosis
- C. Metabolic acidosis with no compensation
- D. Metabolic acidosis with a compensatory respiratory alkalosis
Correct answer: Metabolic acidosis with a compensatory respiratory alkalosis
Rationale:
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI Basic
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $69.99
ATI Basic
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 90 days access @ $149.99