ATI RN
Physical Exam Cardiovascular System
1. What is the term for a blood clot blocking an artery in the lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain?
- A. Pulmonary embolism
- B. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- C. Myocardial infarction
- D. Pneumothorax
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks an artery, causing symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. Choice B, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), involves a blood clot forming in a deep vein, usually in the legs. Choice C, myocardial infarction, refers to a heart attack due to blocked blood flow to the heart muscle. Choice D, pneumothorax, is a collapsed lung due to air leaking into the chest cavity.
2. Which type of lung cancer begins in the cells lining the bronchi and bronchioles?
- A. Adenocarcinoma
- B. Small cell lung cancer
- C. Squamous cell carcinoma
- D. Mesothelioma
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Adenocarcinoma is the correct answer because it is a type of lung cancer that originates in the cells lining the bronchi and bronchioles. Adenocarcinoma is one of the most common types of lung cancer, often found in non-smokers and more frequently in women. Small cell lung cancer (Choice B) typically starts in the bronchi, but it is characterized by its rapid growth and tendency to spread quickly. Squamous cell carcinoma (Choice C) usually begins in the squamous cells lining the bronchi and is strongly associated with smoking. Mesothelioma (Choice D) is a cancer that affects the lining of certain organs like the lungs, often caused by asbestos exposure, but it does not specifically start in the cells lining the bronchi and bronchioles.
3. The nurse is administering a beta blocker to a client with a heart rate of 50 bpm. What is the priority action?
- A. Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the beta blocker as ordered.
- C. Decrease the dose of the beta blocker.
- D. Monitor the client’s heart rate and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action is to hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 50 bpm is already low, and beta blockers can further decrease the heart rate, potentially causing adverse effects like bradycardia or heart block. Administering the beta blocker as ordered (Choice B) can exacerbate the low heart rate. Decreasing the dose of the beta blocker (Choice C) may not be sufficient to address the potential harm. Monitoring the client’s heart rate and reassessing in 30 minutes (Choice D) may delay necessary interventions if the heart rate drops further. Therefore, the priority is to hold the medication and seek guidance from the healthcare provider.
4. What is the term for the ability of cardiac cells to respond to a stimulus by initiating a cardiac impulse?
- A. Excitability
- B. Contractility
- C. Rhythmicity
- D. Conductivity
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Excitability. Excitability is the ability of cardiac cells to respond to a stimulus by initiating a cardiac impulse. Choice B, Contractility, refers to the ability of cardiac muscle to shorten forcibly. Choice C, Rhythmicity, refers to the cardiac muscle's ability to contract rhythmically. Choice D, Conductivity, refers to the ability of the heart's cells to conduct electrical impulses.
5. Which surgical procedure involves opening or replacing a narrowed or blocked heart valve?
- A. Valve replacement
- B. Angioplasty
- C. Stent placement
- D. Coronary bypass surgery
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Valve replacement is the correct answer because it specifically involves surgically replacing a damaged or diseased heart valve with a prosthetic valve to address narrowing or blockage, thereby improving blood flow and heart function. Angioplasty (choice B) is a procedure to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries, typically using a balloon catheter. Stent placement (choice C) involves inserting a mesh tube to support a weakened artery. Coronary bypass surgery (choice D) is a procedure to create new routes for blood flow to the heart muscle by bypassing blocked arteries.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $69.99
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $149.99