ATI RN
Physical Exam Cardiovascular System
1. The nurse is administering digoxin to a client with a heart rate of 45 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the digoxin as ordered.
- C. Increase the dose of digoxin.
- D. Monitor the client’s heart rate and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 45 bpm is already low, and digoxin can further decrease the heart rate, leading to serious complications like bradycardia or heart block. Administering the medication can exacerbate the bradycardia, hence it should be withheld. Increasing the dose of digoxin is contraindicated due to the client's low heart rate. Monitoring the heart rate alone without taking immediate action to withhold the medication is not the priority when faced with the risk of further lowering the heart rate.
2. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being taught by a nurse. What nutrition information should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Avoid drinking fluids just before and during meals.
- B. Rest before meals if experiencing dyspnea.
- C. Consume about six small meals a day.
- D. Consume high-fiber foods to promote gastric emptying.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: While some of the other options may be helpful, the most appropriate advice for a client with COPD is to consume high-fiber foods to promote gastric emptying. Avoiding fluids just before and during meals can help prevent bloating, resting before meals can assist with dyspnea, and having several small meals a day can help reduce bloating. However, fibrous foods can lead to gas production, causing abdominal bloating and potentially worsening shortness of breath. Increasing calorie and protein intake is essential to prevent malnourishment. It is also important to avoid excessive carbohydrate intake, as it can increase carbon dioxide production and the risk of acidosis in COPD patients.
3. What occurs during stage three of bone healing?
- A. Consolidation
- B. Callus formation
- C. Granulation formation
- D. Hematoma formation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During stage three of bone healing, callus formation occurs. This process involves the formation of a soft callus made of collagen and cartilage, which bridges the gap between bone fragments. Choice A, consolidation, typically happens in later stages and involves the hardening of the callus into mature bone. Choices C and D are incorrect as granulation formation and hematoma formation occur in earlier stages of bone healing, specifically stages one and two, respectively.
4. A client has had a cast applied, and a nurse is providing care. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Place an ice pack over the cast.
- B. Palpate the pulse distal to the cast.
- C. Teach the client to keep the cast clean and dry.
- D. Position the casted extremity on a pillow.
Correct answer: Palpate the pulse distal to the cast.
Rationale: When caring for a client with a newly applied cast, the nurse's priority should be to assess the circulation by palpating the pulse distal to the cast. This is crucial to ensure there is no compromise in blood flow, which could lead to serious complications. Placing an ice pack over the cast, teaching the client about cast care, and positioning the casted extremity on a pillow are important interventions but should follow the assessment of circulation.
5. When does pain in the lower extremities due to peripheral artery disease usually worsen?
- A. with rest because blood flow decreases.
- B. with elevation of the extremity because blood is diverted away.
- C. when the leg is in a dependent position because blood pools.
- D. when the leg is touched or massaged because cytokines are released.
Correct answer: with elevation of the extremity because blood is diverted away.
Rationale: Pain in the lower extremities due to peripheral artery disease usually worsens with elevation of the extremity because blood is diverted away from the affected area, leading to decreased perfusion and exacerbation of symptoms. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because resting, dependent position, and touch/massage do not typically worsen the pain associated with peripheral artery disease.
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