Video Library
Drugs Used to Treat Dysrhythmias > Pharmacology
Exam Review
Comprehensive Questions
Total Questions : 16
Showing 16 questions, Sign in for moreA nurse is caring for four clients who are each taking digoxin (Lanoxin). The client who is taking which of the following medications concurrently is at risk for digoxin toxicity?
A client with type 1 diabetes on insulin therapy reports that he takes propranolol (Inderal) for his hypertension. The nurse will teach the client to check glucose levels more frequently because of what concern?
A client is given a prescription for propranolol (Inderal) 40 mg bid. What is the most important instruction the nurse should give to this client?
A client was admitted from the emergency department after receiving treatment for dysrhythmias and will be started on amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone) because of lack of therapeutic effects from his other antidysrhythmic therapy. When the nurse checks with him in the afternoon, he complains of feeling light-headed and dizzy. What will the nurse assess first?
The nurse is assessing a client who has been taking quinidine who asks about adverse effects. Which of these are potential adverse effects of quinidine? Select all that apply
The nurse is teaching a client about taking an antidysrhythmic drug, which of the following statements by the nurse are correct? Select all that apply
The client’s serum digoxin level is 3.0 ng/mL. What does the nurse know about this serum digoxin level?
The nurse is caring for several clients on antidysrhythmic medications. The nurse would be sure to assess which essential parameter?
A nurse is caring for a client with a dysrhythmia. The nurse understands that common adverse effects of antidysrhythmic medications include which of the following? Select all that apply
The nurse is assessing a client for possible evidence of digitalis toxicity. The nurse acknowledges that which is included in the signs and symptoms for this toxicity?
A client is taking a potassium-depleting diuretic and digoxin. The nurse expects that a low potassium level (hypokalemia) could have what effect on digoxin (Lanoxin)?
A client is on acebutolol (Sectral) for dysrhythmias. The nurse understands that which of the following is the primary purpose of the drug?
The nurse is caring for a client who recently suffered a myocardial infarction (MI) and now is experiencing ectopy and runs of ventricular tachycardia (VT). The client reports having feelings of palpitations during the ectopy and has been started on an antidysrhythmic.
The nurse reviewed the classifications of drugs that can be used to treat dysrhythmias and knows they include which mechanisms of action? Select all that apply
The nurse reviewing the laboratory results of a 68-year-old female client receiving amiodarone hydrochloride for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation knows which of the following laboratory tests are monitored for clients on antidysrhythmic agents? Select all that apply
The client in the scenario was started on the antidysrhythmic flecainide and asks the nurse what they need to be aware of while taking this drug. What common adverse effects should the nurse mention to the client?
A nurse assessing a 48-year-old male client for signs of cardiovascular disease looks for which of these symptoms? Indicate with an X the assessment signs that indicate one of the six cardinal signs of cardiovascular disease or whether it is unrelated.
Explanation
|
CLIENT ASSESSMENT |
CARDINAL SIGN OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE |
UNRELATED SIGN |
|
Client complaining of not sleeping well |
X |
|
|
Client became weak and dizzy when attempting to stand |
X |
|
|
Client complaining of blurred vision |
X |
|
|
Client reports difficulty breathing when lying flat |
X |
|
|
Client having urinary retention |
X |
|
|
Client experiencing palpitations |
X |
|
|
Client having pitting edema around the ankles |
X |
|
|
Client reported decreases in physical activity |
X |
|
|
Client complaining of pain across the chest |
X |
|
|
Client reporting ringing in the ears |
X |
The nurse is assessing a 48-year-old client for signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which requires recognizing the six cardinal manifestations of CVD: chest pain, palpitations, dyspnea (shortness of breath), syncope or dizziness, edema, and decreased exercise tolerance. Accurate identification ensures timely intervention, proper monitoring, and individualized care planning to reduce morbidity and prevent complications. Distinguishing unrelated complaints avoids misinterpretation and unnecessary investigations.
Rationale for correct answers:
Client became weak and dizzy when attempting to stand.This reflects syncope or pre-syncope, a cardinal sign of cardiovascular disease often related to decreased cardiac output, orthostatic hypotension, or arrhythmias.
Client reports difficulty breathing when lying flat.Dyspnea on lying down (orthopnea)is a hallmark of left-sided heart failure, a cardinal sign that indicates impaired left ventricular function and pulmonary congestion.
Client experiencing palpitations.Palpitations reflect arrhythmias or abnormal cardiac conduction, a cardinal sign of cardiovascular disease that may indicate atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, or other dysrhythmias.
Client having pitting edema around the ankles. Peripheral edema, particularly pitting edema, is a cardinal sign of right-sided heart failure, caused by fluid accumulation due to poor venous return.
Client reported decreases in physical activity.Reduced exercise tolerance signals cardiac compromise, another cardinal manifestation of cardiovascular disease, often due to decreased cardiac output and tissue perfusion.
Client complaining of pain across the chest.Chest pain or angina is a classic cardinal symptom, indicating myocardial ischemia or other cardiac pathology.
Rationales for incorrect answers:
Client complaining of not sleeping well.While sleep issues may affect cardiovascular risk long term, insomnia is not a cardinal sign of CVD and is nonspecific.
Client complaining of blurred vision.Vision changes may relate to hypertension or diabetes but are not primary indicators of cardiovascular disease.
Client having urinary retention.This is a genitourinary issue xand unrelated to cardiac pathology.
Client reporting ringing in the ears.Tinnitus is not a sign of cardiovascular disease; it may relate to ear pathology or medications.
Test-taking strategy:
• Recall the six cardinal signs of cardiovascular disease: chest pain, palpitations, dyspnea, syncope/dizziness, edema, decreased exercise tolerance.
• Focus on symptoms that reflect direct cardiac compromise or impaired perfusion.
• Exclude unrelated or nonspecific symptoms that may reflect other organ systems.
Take-home points:
• Cardiovascular assessment prioritizes six cardinal signs: chest pain, palpitations, dyspnea, syncope, edema, and decreased exercise tolerance.
• Accurate identification guides interventions and monitoring for acute and chronic CVD.
• Distinguishing unrelated symptoms reduces unnecessary testing and improves clinical focus.
Sign Up or Login to view all the 16 Questions on this Exam
Join over 100,000+ nursing students using Naxlex’s science-backend flashcards, practice tests and expert solutions to improve their grades and reach their goals.
Sign Up Now
