ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. The nurse is caring for a client on amiodarone. What adverse effect is the nurse most concerned about?
- A. Pulmonary toxicity
- B. Liver toxicity
- C. Thyroid dysfunction
- D. Renal dysfunction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pulmonary toxicity. Amiodarone is known to cause pulmonary toxicity, which can be serious and even fatal in some cases. This adverse effect includes interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Monitoring for symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, and fever is crucial. Choices B, Liver toxicity, C, Thyroid dysfunction, and D, Renal dysfunction, are incorrect because while amiodarone can also affect the liver, thyroid, and kidneys, the most concerning adverse effect that requires immediate attention and monitoring is pulmonary toxicity.
2. What is a condition where the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients?
- A. Stroke
- B. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- C. Myocardial infarction
- D. Angina
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A stroke is the correct answer. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the brain tissue, causing brain damage. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain with no lasting damage, myocardial infarction is a heart attack due to blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, and angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
3. Which type of medication helps to reduce blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels?
- A. Calcium channel blocker
- B. ACE inhibitor
- C. Beta-blocker
- D. Diuretic
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Calcium channel blocker. Calcium channel blockers work by relaxing the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and reducing blood pressure. Choice B, ACE inhibitor, reduces blood pressure by blocking the production of angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels. Choice C, Beta-blocker, reduces heart rate and the heart's workload, not directly relaxing blood vessels. Choice D, Diuretic, reduces blood pressure by increasing urine output, reducing the volume of fluid in the blood vessels, rather than directly relaxing them.
4. What is a chronic condition where the bronchial tubes in the lungs become inflamed and narrowed, often caused by smoking?
- A. Chronic bronchitis
- B. Emphysema
- C. Asthma
- D. Tuberculosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Chronic bronchitis is the correct answer because it is a long-term condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes in the lungs, commonly triggered by smoking. Emphysema involves damage to the air sacs in the lungs, not specifically the bronchial tubes. Asthma is a condition of reversible airway obstruction usually due to allergies or other triggers, not solely smoking. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but is not directly related to inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes.
5. The nurse is administering digoxin to a client. What is the most important parameter to check before administration?
- A. Heart rate
- B. Blood pressure
- C. Respiratory rate
- D. Oxygen saturation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart rate. Before administering digoxin, it is crucial to check the client's heart rate because digoxin can cause bradycardia, making it essential to ensure the heart rate is within the appropriate range. Blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation are also important parameters to monitor in a clinical setting, but when administering digoxin, the focus should primarily be on the heart rate due to its potential effects on cardiac function.
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