this is a medication that relaxes the muscles around the airways making it easier to breathe
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Cardiovascular System Practice Exam

1. Which medication relaxes the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Bronchodilator. Bronchodilators are medications that relax the muscles surrounding the airways, which helps to open them and makes breathing easier. Corticosteroids (choice B) work by reducing inflammation, antihistamines (choice C) are used to manage allergies, and mucolytics (choice D) help to break down and thin mucus in the airways.

2. This is a more accurate indicator of tissue perfusion. It represents the cardiac output in terms of liters per minute per square meter of body surface area. Its normal range is 2.4-4 L/min.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiac Index. Cardiac Index is a measure of cardiac output relative to body surface area, providing a more accurate assessment of tissue perfusion. It is calculated by dividing the cardiac output by the body surface area. The normal range for cardiac index is 2.4-4 L/min/m². Choice B, Stroke volume, refers to the amount of blood ejected by the heart in one contraction and is not adjusted for body surface area. Choice C, Ejection fraction, is the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart's ventricles with each contraction, not adjusted for body surface area. Choice D, Cardiac output, is the total volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, without considering body surface area.

3. The nurse is caring for a client with atrial fibrillation on dabigatran (Pradaxa). What is the most important instruction to give to the client?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important instruction to give to a client on dabigatran (Pradaxa) is not to miss a dose and take it at the same time each day. This is crucial for maintaining the anticoagulant effect of the medication. Choice A is not necessary as dabigatran does not need to be taken with food. Choice C is important but not as crucial as ensuring proper dosing. Choice D is also important but falls behind in priority compared to maintaining consistent dosing.

4. The client on digoxin has a potassium level of 2.7 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A potassium level of 2.7 mEq/L is considered low and can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Holding the medication and informing the healthcare provider is crucial to prevent adverse effects. Administering the digoxin as ordered (Choice B) would put the client at a higher risk for toxicity. Increasing the dose of digoxin (Choice C) is not appropriate when the client's potassium level is low. Administering potassium supplements (Choice D) may be necessary but is not the priority action in this situation.

5. Identify the three layers of the heart:

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.

Similar Questions

The nurse is caring for a heart client on digoxin and notes a potassium level of 2.5. What is the appropriate priority nursing intervention?
What is a surgical procedure to remove one of the lobes of the lungs, often performed to treat lung cancer?
What is a life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly stops beating?
What condition is characterized by narrowed or blocked arteries in the legs or arms, leading to pain and mobility issues?
For what reason might the nurse be given an order to administer milrinone (Primacor)?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses