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. What is the term for inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often leading to a persistent cough and mucus production?
- A. Bronchitis
- B. Asthma
- C. Pneumonia
- D. Cystic fibrosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Bronchitis.' Bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which can be acute or chronic, leading to symptoms like coughing and increased mucus production. Choice B, 'Asthma,' is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, often causing wheezing and shortness of breath. Choice C, 'Pneumonia,' is an infection that inflames air sacs in one or both lungs, leading to symptoms like fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Choice D, 'Cystic fibrosis,' is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system, causing mucus buildup and respiratory issues.
3. Which structure serves as the major chemoreceptor of the heart?
- A. Carotid body
- B. Aortic body
- C. Vagus nerve
- D. SA node
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, the carotid body. The carotid body is the major chemoreceptor of the heart responsible for detecting changes in blood oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels. This specialized structure helps regulate the cardiovascular system's response to maintain appropriate oxygen levels in the blood. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not directly involved in chemoreception in the heart. The aortic body is primarily involved in blood pressure regulation, the vagus nerve is a cranial nerve responsible for parasympathetic innervation, and the SA node is known as the heart's natural pacemaker.
4. What type of stroke is caused by a blockage in an artery supplying blood to the brain?
- A. Ischemic stroke
- B. Hemorrhagic stroke
- C. Transient ischemic attack
- D. Embolism
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain, leading to brain damage. Choice B, Hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by bleeding in the brain, not a blockage. Choice C, Transient ischemic attack, is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain with symptoms similar to a stroke but typically lasting only a few minutes. Choice D, Embolism, refers to a blood clot or other particle that travels through the bloodstream and blocks a blood vessel.
5. The nurse is administering nitroglycerin IV to a client with chest pain. What is the most important parameter to monitor?
- A. Blood pressure
- B. Heart rate
- C. Oxygen saturation
- D. Respiratory rate
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure. When administering nitroglycerin IV to a client with chest pain, monitoring blood pressure is crucial as nitroglycerin can cause significant hypotension. While heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate are important parameters to assess, blood pressure takes precedence in this scenario due to the potential hypotensive effects of nitroglycerin.
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