ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. The nurse is administering enoxaparin (Lovenox) to a client. What is the most important lab value to monitor?
- A. Platelet count
- B. Hemoglobin
- C. White blood cell count
- D. aPTT
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count. When administering enoxaparin, it is crucial to monitor the platelet count because enoxaparin can lead to a rare but serious side effect known as thrombocytopenia, which is a decrease in platelet levels. Monitoring the platelet count helps in detecting this adverse effect early. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hemoglobin, white blood cell count, and aPTT are not the most important lab values to monitor specifically for enoxaparin administration.
2. Which valve opens during ventricular systole and closes during ventricular diastole?
- A. Aortic valve
- B. Pulmonary valve
- C. Mitral valve
- D. Tricuspid valve
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pulmonary valve. The pulmonary valve opens during ventricular systole to allow blood to flow from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery. The aortic valve opens during ventricular systole to allow blood to flow from the left ventricle into the aorta. The mitral valve and tricuspid valve are atrioventricular valves that open during ventricular diastole to allow blood to flow from the atria into the ventricles.
3. Which heart chamber ejects blood into the lungs via the pulmonary artery?
- A. Right atrium
- B. Left atrium
- C. Right ventricle
- D. Left ventricle
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, the right ventricle. The right ventricle is responsible for pumping deoxygenated blood into the lungs through the pulmonary artery for oxygenation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body, the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs, and the left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the body, respectively.
4. Which type of heart valve disease occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left atrium?
- A. Mitral regurgitation
- B. Aortic stenosis
- C. Tricuspid regurgitation
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Mitral regurgitation is the correct answer. It occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left atrium. This condition can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and if left untreated, it can progress to heart failure. Aortic stenosis (choice B) is a different heart valve condition characterized by narrowing of the aortic valve, restricting blood flow from the heart. Tricuspid regurgitation (choice C) involves the tricuspid valve not closing properly, leading to blood flowing back into the right atrium. Pulmonary hypertension (choice D) is a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.
5. The client on warfarin has an INR of 4.5. What is the most appropriate action by the nurse?
- A. Administer vitamin K.
- 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 4.5 is elevated, indicating an increased risk of bleeding due to excessive anticoagulation. The most appropriate action for the nurse in this scenario is to administer vitamin K. Vitamin K helps reverse the anticoagulant effects of warfarin, thus lowering the INR and reducing the risk of bleeding. Holding the next dose of warfarin (choice B) is not sufficient to address the immediate high INR level. Increasing the dose of warfarin (choice C) would further elevate the INR, worsening the risk of bleeding. While monitoring the client's INR closely (choice D) is important, immediate action is required to address the critically high INR level, making the administration of vitamin K the priority intervention.
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