ATI RN
Physical Exam Cardiovascular System
1. What procedure involves inserting a flexible tube with a light and camera into the airways to examine the lungs and collect samples?
- A. Bronchoscopy
- B. Thoracentesis
- C. Lung biopsy
- D. Chest X-ray
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bronchoscopy. Bronchoscopy is a procedure that entails inserting a flexible tube with a light and camera into the airways to examine the lungs and collect tissue or fluid samples. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose lung conditions such as infections, tumors, or obstructions. Choice B, thoracentesis, involves inserting a needle into the pleural space to remove fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes related to the lungs or pleura, not the airways. Choice C, lung biopsy, typically involves obtaining tissue samples from the lungs for further examination, not directly visualizing the airways. Choice D, chest X-ray, is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses radiation to create images of the chest area, providing a different type of information compared to bronchoscopy.
2. The client on nitroglycerin complains of a headache. How does the nurse explain this?
- A. This is a normal side effect of nitroglycerin.
- B. This is an allergic reaction to nitroglycerin.
- C. This is an indication of overdose.
- D. This is a sign of heart failure.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'This is a normal side effect of nitroglycerin.' Headaches are a common side effect of nitroglycerin due to vasodilation. Choice B is incorrect because allergic reactions to nitroglycerin typically present with symptoms like rash, itching, or shortness of breath. Choice C is incorrect as an overdose of nitroglycerin would likely present with symptoms beyond just a headache. Choice D is incorrect because headaches related to nitroglycerin are not indicative of heart failure.
3. The client is on a calcium channel blocker. What is the expected effect on the heart?
- A. Increased heart rate
- B. Decreased heart rate
- C. Increased blood pressure
- D. Decreased blood pressure
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When a client is on a calcium channel blocker, the expected effect on the heart is a decreased heart rate and decreased blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers work by dilating blood vessels and reducing the heart's workload, resulting in decreased blood pressure. Choice A, increased heart rate, is incorrect as calcium channel blockers actually have a negative chronotropic effect, reducing the heart rate. Choice C, increased blood pressure, is also incorrect because these medications are used to lower blood pressure.
4. 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.
5. Which valve prevents backflow of blood into the right ventricle from the pulmonary artery?
- A. Pulmonary valve
- B. Aortic valve
- C. Tricuspid valve
- D. Mitral valve
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the Pulmonary valve. The Pulmonary valve prevents backflow of blood into the right ventricle from the pulmonary artery after it has been ejected. The Aortic valve (choice B) prevents backflow from the aorta into the left ventricle. The Tricuspid valve (choice C) prevents backflow of blood into the right atrium from the right ventricle. The Mitral valve (choice D) prevents backflow from the left ventricle into the left atrium.
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