ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers
1. The client on furosemide (Lasix) has a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Administer a potassium supplement.
- B. Hold the furosemide and notify the healthcare provider.
- C. Continue the current dose of furosemide.
- D. Administer Digibind.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer a potassium supplement. A potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can lead to serious complications like cardiac dysrhythmias. Therefore, the priority action is to address the low potassium level by administering a potassium supplement. Holding the furosemide (Choice B) may be necessary in the long term to prevent further potassium loss, but the immediate need is to correct the low potassium level. Continuing the current dose of furosemide (Choice C) without addressing the low potassium level can worsen hypokalemia. Administering Digibind (Choice D) is not indicated for low potassium levels; Digibind is used to treat digoxin toxicity.
2. A client has a new prescription for a Fentanyl transdermal patch. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Apply the patch to a non-hairy area.
- B. Change the patch every 72 hours.
- C. Avoid exposure to heat sources.
- D. Do not cut the patch to adjust the dosage.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include for a client using a Fentanyl transdermal patch is to avoid exposure to heat sources. Heat can increase the absorption of the medication, potentially causing an overdose. Instructing the client to avoid heat sources is crucial to ensure their safety and the effectiveness of the medication. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because applying the patch to a non-hairy area, changing it every 72 hours, and not cutting the patch are general guidelines for using transdermal patches but do not specifically address the unique risks associated with Fentanyl patches.
3. A client is being prepared for discharge after a stroke. Which of the following interventions should be included in the discharge plan to prevent complications?
- A. Recommend physical therapy to improve mobility
- B. Teach the client how to use an incentive spirometer
- C. Encourage the client to ambulate daily
- D. Provide education on proper medication management
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to provide education on proper medication management. Proper medication management is crucial in reducing the risk of stroke recurrence and ensuring the client adheres to the treatment plan. While physical therapy, incentive spirometer use, and daily ambulation are important aspects of stroke rehabilitation, they are not directly related to preventing complications during the discharge phase.
4. What would a diet manual most likely contain?
- A. Procedures for disinfecting cooking surfaces
- B. Staff sanitation guidelines
- C. Information on specific patients' resting metabolic rates
- D. Specific food preparation methods
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A diet manual typically contains guidance on specific food preparation methods to ensure proper nutrition and health for individuals following the diet. Therefore, choice D is correct. Choices A and B refer to sanitation procedures and staff hygiene issues, which are important but not typically the focus of a diet manual. Choice C, regarding specific patients' resting metabolic rates, is too individualized and detailed for a general diet manual, as it would be part of a personalized dietary plan developed with a healthcare professional.
5. What is the priority intervention for a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism?
- A. Administer oxygen
- B. Administer anticoagulants
- C. Prepare for surgery
- D. Monitor oxygen saturation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen. Administering oxygen is the priority intervention for a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism to improve oxygenation levels. In pulmonary embolism, there is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries, leading to decreased oxygen exchange. Administering oxygen helps increase oxygen saturation levels. Anticoagulants (Choice B) are essential in the treatment of pulmonary embolism but are not the initial priority intervention. Surgery (Choice C) is not typically the first-line treatment for pulmonary embolism. Monitoring oxygen saturation (Choice D) is important but administering oxygen takes precedence as the immediate action to address hypoxemia.
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