ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. The nurse is caring for a client on enalapril (Vasotec). What is the most important side effect to monitor?
- A. Cough
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hypotension
- D. Dizziness
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor, and cough is a common side effect associated with this class of medication. Monitoring for cough is crucial as it can indicate the development of a potentially serious condition known as angioedema. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is a possible side effect of ACE inhibitors but is not the most important side effect to monitor. Hypotension (choice C) and dizziness (choice D) are also potential side effects of enalapril; however, cough takes precedence due to its association with angioedema, a severe adverse reaction.
2. Which of the following is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing?
- A. Asthma
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Pneumonia
- D. Emphysema
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Asthma is the correct answer. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. These symptoms are often triggered by allergens or exercise. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, but it is not typically chronic or involve the same triggers as asthma. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, and emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often caused by smoking.
3. Identify the three layers of the heart:
- A. Endocardium, Myocardium, Epicardium
- B. Epicardium, Pericardium, Endocardium
- C. Myocardium, Endocardium, Pericardium
- D. Pericardium, Myocardium, Endocardium
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Endocardium, Myocardium, Epicardium. The heart consists of three main layers: the endocardium, which lines the inner chambers of the heart; the myocardium, the middle layer responsible for the heart's pumping action; and the epicardium, the outermost layer that protects the heart. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not list the heart's layers in the correct order or combination.
4. What is the amount of tension the ventricle must develop during contraction to eject blood from the left ventricle into the aorta?
- A. Afterload
- B. Preload
- C. Automaticity
- D. Ejection fraction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Afterload is the correct answer because it refers to the pressure or tension that the ventricle must overcome during systole to eject blood into the aorta. Preload, on the other hand, is the degree of stretch of the ventricular muscle at the end of diastole before it contracts. Automaticity is the ability of the heart to generate electrical impulses independently, and ejection fraction is the percentage of blood pumped out of the ventricle with each heartbeat. Therefore, in the context of the question, afterload best describes the amount of tension the ventricle must develop to eject blood into the aorta.
5. 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.
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