ATI RN
Physical Exam Cardiovascular System
1. The nurse is caring for a client on warfarin with an INR of 5.2. What is the most appropriate action?
- A. Administer vitamin K as an antidote.
- B. Hold the next dose of warfarin.
- C. Increase the dose of warfarin.
- D. Monitor the client’s INR closely.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: An INR of 5.2 is elevated, indicating an increased risk of bleeding. Administering vitamin K can help reverse the effects of warfarin, which is the most appropriate action in this situation. Holding the next dose of warfarin is not enough to address the high INR, and increasing the dose would further elevate the INR level. Monitoring the INR closely is important, but in this case, immediate action is needed to counteract the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
2. After the AV node, the electrical impulse is then transmitted into the _________, and into the _________.
- A. Purkinje fibers, ventricles
- B. Atria, ventricles
- C. Bundle of His, Purkinje fibers
- D. Ventricles, Purkinje fibers
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. After the AV node, the electrical impulse is transmitted to the Bundle of His and then to the Purkinje fibers. This sequence is crucial for the coordinated contraction of the ventricles. Choice A (Purkinje fibers, ventricles) is incorrect because the Purkinje fibers come after the Bundle of His in the sequence of electrical conduction. Choice B (Atria, ventricles) is incorrect because the impulse does not go back to the atria after passing through the AV node. Choice D (Ventricles, Purkinje fibers) is incorrect because the impulse first reaches the Bundle of His before spreading to the Purkinje fibers.
3. Which neurotransmitter released by the parasympathetic nervous system can decrease heart rate?
- A. Acetylcholine
- B. Norepinephrine
- C. Dopamine
- D. Serotonin
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Acetylcholine is the correct answer. It is a neurotransmitter released by the parasympathetic nervous system that can decrease heart rate. Norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin are neurotransmitters that usually have different effects on the body and are not specifically associated with decreasing heart rate. Norepinephrine, for example, is often related to the fight-or-flight response and can increase heart rate.
4. The nurse is caring for a client on digoxin with a heart rate of 48 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the digoxin as ordered.
- C. Administer atropine to increase the heart rate.
- D. Increase the dose of digoxin.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's priority action should be to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 48 bpm is low, and digoxin, being a medication that can further decrease the heart rate, should be withheld. Administering the digoxin as ordered (Choice B) would not be appropriate in this situation as it can exacerbate bradycardia. Atropine (Choice C) is not the initial treatment for this scenario; holding the digoxin is the first action. Increasing the dose of digoxin (Choice D) would be contraindicated due to the client's bradycardia. Therefore, the correct action is to hold the digoxin and inform the healthcare provider for further guidance.
5. Which surgical procedure involves grafting a blood vessel to bypass a blocked artery in the heart?
- A. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
- B. Valve replacement
- C. Stent placement
- D. Angioplasty
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). This surgical procedure involves grafting a blood vessel to bypass a blocked coronary artery, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. Choice B, Valve replacement, is a procedure to replace a damaged heart valve and is not directly related to bypassing blocked arteries. Choice C, Stent placement, involves inserting a mesh tube to keep blocked arteries open and is different from grafting a blood vessel. Choice D, Angioplasty, is a procedure to widen narrowed or blocked arteries, typically using a balloon catheter, and does not involve grafting a blood vessel.
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