NCLEX Pharmacology Quiz Cardiovascular Medications

1. A nurse is providing instructions to a client who is receiving warfarin sodium (Coumadin). Which statement made by the client indicates the need for further instruction?

“I will observe the color of my urine and stool”.

“I will take Ecotrin (Enteric coated aspirin) for my headaches”.

“I will avoid drinking alcohol”.

“I will take the medicine daily at the same time”.

Ecotrin is an aspirin-containing product and should be avoided due to the risk of bleeding.

Explanation

Ecotrin is an aspirin-containing product and should be avoided due to the risk of bleeding.

2. A client is receiving a continuous infusion of streptokinase (Streptase). The client suddenly complaints of a difficulty of breathing. itchiness. and nausea. Which of the following should be the priority action of the nurse?

Stop the infusion and notify the physician.

Administer protamine sulfate and provide oxygen therapy.

Administer antihistamine then continue the infusion.

Slow the infusion and administer oxygen.

Severe allergic reaction to streptokinase requires immediate discontinuation of Streptokinase.then notify the physician and administer an adrenergic. antihistamine. and/or corticosteroid agents as ordered.

Explanation

Severe allergic reaction to streptokinase requires immediate discontinuation of Streptokinase.then notify the physician and administer an adrenergic. antihistamine. and/or corticosteroid agents as ordered.

3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving a heparin intravenous (IV) infusion. The nurse expects that which of the following laboratory will be prescribed to monitor the therapeutic effect of heparin?

Prothrombin time (PT).

Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).

Hematocrit (Hgb).

Hemoglobin (Hct).

Activated partial thromboplastin time assess the therapeutic level of heparin.Option A: Assess the therapeutic level of warfarin sodium (Coumadin).Options C and D: Measures the aspect of the red blood cells.

Explanation

Activated partial thromboplastin time assess the therapeutic level of heparin.Option A: Assess the therapeutic level of warfarin sodium (Coumadin).Options C and D: Measures the aspect of the red blood cells.

4. A client with deep vein thrombosis is receiving Streptokinase (Streptase). The nurse would notify the physician if which of the following assessment is noted?

A temperature of 99.2° Fahrenheit.

A pulse rate of 99 beats per minute.

A respiratory rate of 25 breaths per minute.

A blood pressure of 185/110 mm Hg.

Thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated with uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP >180 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP >110 mm Hg) because of the risk of cerebral hemorrhage.Options A. B. and C may be present during the therapy but will not warrant the immediate knowledge of the physician before starting the therapy.

Explanation

Thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated with uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP >180 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP >110 mm Hg) because of the risk of cerebral hemorrhage.Options A. B. and C may be present during the therapy but will not warrant the immediate knowledge of the physician before starting the therapy.

5. A client is receiving Procainamide (Procanbid) for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmia. The client suddenly complains of nausea and drowsiness. Which of the intervention should the nurse do first?

Check the blood pressure and heart rate.

Do a 12-lead electrocardiogram right away.

Measure the heart rate on the rhythm strip.

Give hydralazine (Apresoline) per orem.

The client is experiencing signs of procainamide toxicity. the priority nursing action is to obtain vital signs immediately.Options B and C are done after checking the vital signs.Option D will cause hypotension.

Explanation

The client is experiencing signs of procainamide toxicity. the priority nursing action is to obtain vital signs immediately.Options B and C are done after checking the vital signs.Option D will cause hypotension.

6. A client is receiving intravenous heparin therapy. The nurse ensures the availability in which of the following medication?

Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst).

Calcium gluconate.

Vitamin K (Mephyton).

Protamine sulfate.

Protamine sulfate is the antidote that reverses the anticoagulant effects of heparin by binding to it.Option A is the antidote for acetaminophen toxicity.Option B is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity.Option C is the antidote for warfarin sodium toxicity.

Explanation

Protamine sulfate is the antidote that reverses the anticoagulant effects of heparin by binding to it.Option A is the antidote for acetaminophen toxicity.Option B is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity.Option C is the antidote for warfarin sodium toxicity.

7. A client with myocardial infarction is receiving tissue plasminogen activator. alteplase (Activase. tPA). While on the therapy. the nurse plans to prioritize which of the following?

Observe for neurological changes.

Monitor for any signs of renal failure.

Check the food diary.

Observe for signs of bleeding.

Bleeding is the priority concern for a client taking thrombolytic medication.Options A and B are monitored but are not the primary concern.Option C is not related to the use of medication.

Explanation

Bleeding is the priority concern for a client taking thrombolytic medication.Options A and B are monitored but are not the primary concern.Option C is not related to the use of medication.

8. A client with atrial fibrillation is receiving a continuous heparin infusion at 1.000 units/hr. The nurse observes that the client is receiving the therapeutic effect based on which of the following results?

Activated partial thromboplastin time of 30 seconds.

Activated partial thromboplastin time of 60 seconds.

Activated partial thromboplastin time of 120 seconds.

Activated partial thromboplastin time of 15 seconds.

The normal range for activated partial thromboplastin time is 20-36 seconds. The activated partial thromboplastin time must be 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal value. the client’s Appt would be considered therapeutic if it was 60 seconds.

Explanation

The normal range for activated partial thromboplastin time is 20-36 seconds. The activated partial thromboplastin time must be 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal value. the client’s Appt would be considered therapeutic if it was 60 seconds.

9. A nurse is providing health teachings regarding antiplatelet medications. Which of the following is not true regarding the use of this medication?

Antiplatelet medication inhibits the aggregation of platelets in the clotting process. thereby prolonging bleeding time.

Antiplatelet medications cannot be used with anticoagulants.

Take the medication with food to prevent gastrointestinal upset.

A routine bleeding time is monitored during the therapy.

Antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies are effective in keeping a clot from forming or stopping the growth of one.

Explanation

Antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies are effective in keeping a clot from forming or stopping the growth of one.

10. A client who is receiving streptokinase therapy suddenly had a nose bleeding. The nurse ensures the availability in which of the following medication?

Vitamin K (Mephyton).

Deferoxamine (Desferal).

Aminocaproic acid (Amicar).

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

Bleeding can be reversed with the use of aminocaproic acid as an antidote for streptokinase.Option A is the antidote for warfarin sodium toxicity.Option B is the antidote for iron toxicity.Option D is an antihistamine that can be used for any allergic reaction.

Explanation

Bleeding can be reversed with the use of aminocaproic acid as an antidote for streptokinase.Option A is the antidote for warfarin sodium toxicity.Option B is the antidote for iron toxicity.Option D is an antihistamine that can be used for any allergic reaction.