ATI RN Cardiovascular Final Exam
Questions and Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales |
2026 /2027 Q&A | Instant Download
Pdf.
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure. Which finding should
the nurse identify as an indication of worsening left-sided heart failure?
A. Dependent edema
B. Jugular venous distention
C. Crackles in the lung bases
D. Hepatomegaly
Answer: C. Crackles in the lung bases
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the
pulmonary circulation, resulting in pulmonary congestion and
manifestations such as crackles, dyspnea, orthopnea, and pulmonary
edema. Dependent edema, jugular venous distention, and
hepatomegaly are more characteristic of right-sided heart failure.
Question 2
,A nurse is caring for a client who has acute myocardial infarction (MI).
Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering to reduce
platelet aggregation?
A. Atorvastatin
B. Aspirin
C. Furosemide
D. Metoprolol
Answer: B. Aspirin
Rationale: Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation and is administered
promptly to clients experiencing an acute MI unless contraindicated.
Rapid administration helps reduce thrombus formation and the
progression of coronary artery occlusion. Statins reduce cholesterol,
beta blockers decrease myocardial oxygen demand, and diuretics reduce
fluid volume but do not provide the immediate antiplatelet effect of
aspirin.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a client who has peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Which finding should the nurse expect?
A. Warm skin with brown pigmentation
B. Bounding peripheral pulses
C. Intermittent claudication
D. Dependent edema
Answer: C. Intermittent claudication
,Rationale: Peripheral arterial disease results from inadequate arterial
blood flow to the extremities. Intermittent claudication, or leg pain that
occurs with activity and improves with rest, is a classic manifestation.
The affected extremity can also be cool and pale with diminished pulses.
Warm skin, edema, and venous pigmentation are more commonly
associated with venous disease.
Question 4
A nurse is teaching a client who has hypertension about lifestyle
modifications. Which statement by the client indicates an
understanding of the teaching?
A. “I should increase my sodium intake when I exercise.”
B. “I should limit foods that are high in saturated fat.”
C. “I should avoid exercising because it can increase my blood pressure.”
D. “I should drink several alcoholic beverages each day.”
Answer: B. “I should limit foods that are high in saturated fat.”
Rationale: Limiting saturated fat supports cardiovascular health and can
help reduce cardiovascular risk. Clients with hypertension should also
reduce sodium intake, maintain an appropriate weight, participate in
regular physical activity, and limit alcohol consumption. Exercise is
generally beneficial when performed according to the client's health
status and provider recommendations.
Question 5
, A nurse is caring for a client who has atrial fibrillation. Which
medication should the nurse expect to administer to reduce the risk of
thromboembolism?
A. Warfarin
B. Furosemide
C. Digoxin
D. Atropine
Answer: A. Warfarin
Rationale: Atrial fibrillation causes ineffective atrial contraction and
blood stasis, particularly in the atria, increasing the risk of thrombus
formation and embolic stroke. Anticoagulants such as warfarin can
reduce this risk. Digoxin can help control the ventricular rate in selected
clients but does not replace anticoagulation when anticoagulation is
indicated.
Question 6
A nurse is evaluating a client who is receiving digoxin for heart failure.
Which finding should the nurse recognize as a possible manifestation of
digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased appetite
B. Yellow or blurred vision
C. Hypertension
D. Increased urine output
Answer: B. Yellow or blurred vision
Questions and Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales |
2026 /2027 Q&A | Instant Download
Pdf.
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure. Which finding should
the nurse identify as an indication of worsening left-sided heart failure?
A. Dependent edema
B. Jugular venous distention
C. Crackles in the lung bases
D. Hepatomegaly
Answer: C. Crackles in the lung bases
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the
pulmonary circulation, resulting in pulmonary congestion and
manifestations such as crackles, dyspnea, orthopnea, and pulmonary
edema. Dependent edema, jugular venous distention, and
hepatomegaly are more characteristic of right-sided heart failure.
Question 2
,A nurse is caring for a client who has acute myocardial infarction (MI).
Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering to reduce
platelet aggregation?
A. Atorvastatin
B. Aspirin
C. Furosemide
D. Metoprolol
Answer: B. Aspirin
Rationale: Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation and is administered
promptly to clients experiencing an acute MI unless contraindicated.
Rapid administration helps reduce thrombus formation and the
progression of coronary artery occlusion. Statins reduce cholesterol,
beta blockers decrease myocardial oxygen demand, and diuretics reduce
fluid volume but do not provide the immediate antiplatelet effect of
aspirin.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a client who has peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Which finding should the nurse expect?
A. Warm skin with brown pigmentation
B. Bounding peripheral pulses
C. Intermittent claudication
D. Dependent edema
Answer: C. Intermittent claudication
,Rationale: Peripheral arterial disease results from inadequate arterial
blood flow to the extremities. Intermittent claudication, or leg pain that
occurs with activity and improves with rest, is a classic manifestation.
The affected extremity can also be cool and pale with diminished pulses.
Warm skin, edema, and venous pigmentation are more commonly
associated with venous disease.
Question 4
A nurse is teaching a client who has hypertension about lifestyle
modifications. Which statement by the client indicates an
understanding of the teaching?
A. “I should increase my sodium intake when I exercise.”
B. “I should limit foods that are high in saturated fat.”
C. “I should avoid exercising because it can increase my blood pressure.”
D. “I should drink several alcoholic beverages each day.”
Answer: B. “I should limit foods that are high in saturated fat.”
Rationale: Limiting saturated fat supports cardiovascular health and can
help reduce cardiovascular risk. Clients with hypertension should also
reduce sodium intake, maintain an appropriate weight, participate in
regular physical activity, and limit alcohol consumption. Exercise is
generally beneficial when performed according to the client's health
status and provider recommendations.
Question 5
, A nurse is caring for a client who has atrial fibrillation. Which
medication should the nurse expect to administer to reduce the risk of
thromboembolism?
A. Warfarin
B. Furosemide
C. Digoxin
D. Atropine
Answer: A. Warfarin
Rationale: Atrial fibrillation causes ineffective atrial contraction and
blood stasis, particularly in the atria, increasing the risk of thrombus
formation and embolic stroke. Anticoagulants such as warfarin can
reduce this risk. Digoxin can help control the ventricular rate in selected
clients but does not replace anticoagulation when anticoagulation is
indicated.
Question 6
A nurse is evaluating a client who is receiving digoxin for heart failure.
Which finding should the nurse recognize as a possible manifestation of
digoxin toxicity?
A. Increased appetite
B. Yellow or blurred vision
C. Hypertension
D. Increased urine output
Answer: B. Yellow or blurred vision
