ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam
1. The client on a beta blocker has a blood pressure of 88/58 mm Hg. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the beta blocker as ordered.
- C. Increase the dose of the beta blocker.
- D. Continue to monitor the client and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when a client on a beta blocker presents with a blood pressure of 88/58 mm Hg is to hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. Beta blockers can further decrease blood pressure, which is already low in this case. Administering the beta blocker as ordered (Choice B) would exacerbate the hypotension. Increasing the dose of the beta blocker (Choice C) would be inappropriate and unsafe given the low blood pressure. Continuing to monitor the client and reassessing in 30 minutes (Choice D) could lead to a delay in necessary intervention. Therefore, the priority is to hold the medication and seek guidance from the healthcare provider.
2. What test evaluates the heart's response to physical stress, often involving exercise on a treadmill while monitoring the heart?
- A. Stress test
- B. Echocardiogram
- C. Holter monitor
- D. CT angiography
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A stress test, also known as an exercise stress test, evaluates the heart's response to physical stress by monitoring its activity during exercise, typically on a treadmill. This test helps assess the heart's performance, detect coronary artery disease, and evaluate the effectiveness of heart treatments. Echocardiogram (choice B) is an ultrasound of the heart that provides detailed images of the heart's structure and function, but it does not involve physical stress like a stress test. Holter monitor (choice C) is a device for continuously monitoring the heart's rhythm and rate over a period (usually 24-48 hours), not during exercise. CT angiography (choice D) is a diagnostic test that uses X-rays to visualize blood vessels but does not involve physical stress like a stress test.
3. Which condition is characterized by an inability to effectively pump blood, leading to fluid buildup and swelling in the body?
- A. Heart failure
- B. Cardiomyopathy
- C. Angina
- D. Myocarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Heart failure is the correct answer. It is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, resulting in fluid accumulation and swelling in the body. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that affects its ability to pump blood but is not the specific condition described in the question. Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, not directly related to fluid buildup and swelling. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle and does not necessarily involve the inability to pump blood effectively.
4. This is a test that measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood, often used to assess respiratory function.
- A. Pulse oximetry
- B. Spirometry
- C. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
- D. Lung function test
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pulse oximetry. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive test that measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood, helping to assess respiratory and cardiovascular function. Choice B, Spirometry, measures lung function by assessing airflow and volume. Choice C, Arterial blood gas (ABG), evaluates the acidity, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Choice D, Lung function test, is a broad term that may include various tests to assess lung health, but specifically measuring oxygen saturation is done through pulse oximetry.
5. What is the condition where the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, causing pain and difficulty walking?
- A. Peripheral artery disease
- B. Raynaud's disease
- C. Varicose veins
- D. Pulmonary embolism
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is a condition where the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, leading to decreased blood flow, pain, and difficulty walking, especially during physical activity. Raynaud's disease (choice B) is characterized by vasospasms in the fingers and toes, causing them to turn white or blue. Varicose veins (choice C) are enlarged, twisted veins usually found in the legs. Pulmonary embolism (choice D) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, often caused by a blood clot.
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