ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. What procedure involves inserting a needle into the pleural space to remove excess fluid and help the patient breathe more easily?
- A. Thoracentesis
- B. Bronchoscopy
- C. Spirometry
- D. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Thoracentesis is the correct answer. It is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the pleural space to remove excess fluid, aiding in easier breathing. Bronchoscopy (Choice B) is a procedure to visualize the airways and diagnose lung problems, not specifically for fluid drainage. Spirometry (Choice C) is a test to measure lung function, not a procedure for fluid removal. Arterial blood gas (ABG) (Choice D) is a blood test to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, not a procedure for draining fluid from the pleural space.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 days postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Serosanguineous drainage on the dressing
- B. Heart rate of 88/min
- C. Urine output of 30 mL/hr
- D. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because a urine output of 30 mL/hr indicates oliguria, which can be a sign of dehydration or kidney impairment postoperatively. This finding should be reported to the provider for further evaluation. Choices A, B, and D are within normal parameters for a client who is 2 days postoperative following abdominal surgery and do not raise immediate concerns. Serosanguineous drainage on the dressing is an expected finding in the early postoperative period, a heart rate of 88/min is within the normal range, and a blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg is also within normal limits.
3. What is the most appropriate intervention for a client experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal?
- A. Encourage physical activity to reduce withdrawal symptoms
- B. Administer diazepam to prevent seizures
- C. Monitor for signs of dehydration
- D. Encourage the client to verbalize their feelings
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for a client experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal is to administer diazepam. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine commonly used to prevent seizures and manage the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Encouraging physical activity may not be safe during acute withdrawal as the client may be at risk for seizures and other complications. Monitoring for signs of dehydration is important but not the most immediate intervention needed in acute alcohol withdrawal. While encouraging the client to verbalize their feelings is beneficial for therapeutic communication, it is not the priority intervention when managing acute alcohol withdrawal.
4. A healthcare professional is educating a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the following statements should the healthcare professional include?
- A. Avoid foods high in vitamin K.
- B. Report any signs of bleeding to your healthcare provider.
- C. Use a soft toothbrush to prevent gum bleeding.
- D. Use an electric razor to prevent cuts.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct statement that the healthcare professional should include when educating a client prescribed warfarin is to report any signs of bleeding to their healthcare provider. Bleeding can indicate excessive anticoagulation, which is a serious side effect of warfarin. Prompt reporting of bleeding symptoms is crucial to prevent complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. While avoiding foods high in vitamin K may be important when taking warfarin due to its interaction with the medication, it is not the priority over reporting signs of bleeding. Using a soft toothbrush and electric razor are general precautions for individuals on anticoagulants but are not as critical as reporting bleeding symptoms.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a pulmonary embolism. The nurse should identify the effectiveness of the treatment by observing which of the following?
- A. A chest x-ray reveals increased density in all fields
- B. The client reports feeling less anxious
- C. Diminished breath sounds are auscultated bilaterally
- D. ABG results include pH 7.48, PaO2 77 mm Hg, and PaCO2 47 mm Hg
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because when a client reports feeling less anxious, it suggests that the treatment for a pulmonary embolism is effective. This is a good indicator of the client's overall well-being and response to treatment. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a chest x-ray revealing increased density in all fields, diminished breath sounds auscultated bilaterally, and ABG results showing specific values do not directly correlate with the effectiveness of treatment for a pulmonary embolism. While these assessments are important for monitoring the client's condition, the client's subjective report of feeling less anxious provides a more direct insight into the impact of the treatment.
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