ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. A client on a beta blocker has a blood pressure of 90/60 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. Administer a diuretic to reduce blood pressure.
- D. Continue to monitor the client and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. A blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg is already low, and beta blockers can further decrease blood pressure. Administering the beta blocker can potentially worsen the situation, leading to complications. Administering a diuretic or continuing to monitor the client without taking immediate action could delay necessary intervention. Therefore, holding the beta blocker and involving the healthcare provider promptly is crucial in this scenario.
2. What is a condition where the heart's electrical impulses are blocked or delayed, leading to a slower or irregular heartbeat?
- A. Heart block
- B. Atrial fibrillation
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Bradycardia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Heart block is the correct answer. It is a condition where the electrical impulses in the heart are blocked or delayed, resulting in a slower or irregular heartbeat. This can lead to symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or other issues. Atrial fibrillation (B) is characterized by rapid, irregular heartbeats. Tachycardia (C) is a condition where the heart rate is too fast. Bradycardia (D) is the opposite of tachycardia, where the heart rate is too slow.
3. Which of the following is a central vasodilator and peripheral vasoconstrictor?
- A. Sympathetic nervous system
- B. Parasympathetic nervous system
- C. Norepinephrine
- D. Acetylcholine
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the Sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is a branch of the autonomic nervous system that is responsible for the fight-or-flight response. It causes vasodilation in central vessels to increase blood flow to vital organs during stress or exercise, while inducing vasoconstriction in peripheral vessels to redirect blood to essential areas. Norepinephrine and acetylcholine are neurotransmitters associated with the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, respectively, but they are not themselves central vasodilators and peripheral vasoconstrictors.
4. The nurse is caring for a client on digoxin. What is the most important assessment before administering this medication?
- A. Check the client’s heart rate.
- B. Check the client’s blood pressure.
- C. Check the client’s respiratory rate.
- D. Check the client’s oxygen saturation.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client’s heart rate before administering digoxin because one of the side effects of digoxin is bradycardia. Monitoring the heart rate is crucial to assess whether the client's heart rate is within the acceptable range before giving the medication. Checking the blood pressure (Choice B), respiratory rate (Choice C), or oxygen saturation (Choice D) are important assessments in general patient care, but they are not specifically related to the administration of digoxin.
5. What is a type of medication that helps to prevent blood clots by thinning the blood?
- A. Anticoagulant
- B. Beta-blocker
- C. ACE inhibitor
- D. Calcium channel blocker
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Anticoagulants are medications specifically designed to prevent blood clots by thinning the blood. They work by interfering with the body's blood clotting process. Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers are medications used for different purposes such as managing blood pressure, heart conditions, and regulating heart rhythm, respectively. However, they do not have the primary function of preventing blood clots like anticoagulants.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access