this is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart to detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Physical Exam Cardiovascular System

1. What test measures the electrical activity of the heart to detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is used to measure the heart's electrical activity, aiding in the detection of arrhythmias and other heart conditions. Choice B, a chest X-ray, is not used to measure electrical activity but to visualize the structures of the chest. Choice C, a stress test, evaluates the heart's response to exertion and is not primarily focused on measuring electrical activity. Choice D, an arterial blood gas (ABG) test, is used to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, not the heart's electrical activity.

2. The client on nitroglycerin patches reports dizziness when standing up. What is the nurse’s best response?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to rise slowly to prevent dizziness. Dizziness when standing up can be a sign of orthostatic hypotension, a common side effect of nitroglycerin. Rising slowly can help minimize this symptom. Instructing the client to discontinue the nitroglycerin patches (Choice B) is not appropriate without consulting a healthcare provider as sudden discontinuation can lead to adverse effects. Encouraging the client to rest and avoid physical activity (Choice C) does not address the specific issue of orthostatic hypotension. Suggesting the client take an over-the-counter antiemetic (Choice D) is not indicated for dizziness related to orthostatic hypotension.

3. What is the condition where the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, causing pain and difficulty walking?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is a condition where the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, leading to decreased blood flow, pain, and difficulty walking, especially during physical activity. Raynaud's disease (choice B) is characterized by vasospasms in the fingers and toes, causing them to turn white or blue. Varicose veins (choice C) are enlarged, twisted veins usually found in the legs. Pulmonary embolism (choice D) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, often caused by a blood clot.

4. The nurse is administering enoxaparin (Lovenox) to a client. What is the most important lab value to monitor?

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.

5. The client is on enoxaparin (Lovenox) for DVT prophylaxis. What is the most important lab value to monitor?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count. When a client is on enoxaparin (Lovenox), monitoring the platelet count is crucial as enoxaparin can lead to a rare but serious side effect known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), causing a decrease in platelet count. Monitoring the platelet count helps detect this adverse reaction early. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because enoxaparin therapy does not directly affect PT/INR, aPTT, or hemoglobin levels.

Similar Questions

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The client on warfarin has an INR of 4.5. What is the most appropriate action by the nurse?
The healthcare provider is administering IV nitroglycerin to a patient for chest pain. What is the most critical parameter to monitor?
Which heart chamber receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it to the rest of the body?
In cases of myocardial infarction leading to shock, which medication is appropriate to counteract shock?

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