ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers
1. The nurse is caring for a client with atrial fibrillation on dabigatran (Pradaxa). What is the most important instruction to give to the client?
- A. Take the medication with food to prevent stomach upset.
- B. Do not miss a dose and take it at the same time each day.
- C. Avoid consuming alcohol while on this medication.
- D. Monitor for signs of bleeding.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most important instruction to give to a client on dabigatran (Pradaxa) is not to miss a dose and take it at the same time each day. This is crucial for maintaining the anticoagulant effect of the medication. Choice A is not necessary as dabigatran does not need to be taken with food. Choice C is important but not as crucial as ensuring proper dosing. Choice D is also important but falls behind in priority compared to maintaining consistent dosing.
2. Which of the following is a genetic disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, leading to severe respiratory and digestive problems?
- A. Cystic fibrosis
- B. Pulmonary fibrosis
- C. Pulmonary edema
- D. Bronchiectasis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder characterized by the buildup of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and digestive system, resulting in severe respiratory and digestive issues. Choice B, pulmonary fibrosis, involves scarring and thickening of lung tissue, not excessive mucus production. Choice C, pulmonary edema, refers to fluid accumulation in the lungs, not mucus buildup. Choice D, bronchiectasis, is a condition where the airways in the lungs are damaged and widened, leading to chronic cough and sputum production, but it does not specifically involve the thick, sticky mucus characteristic of cystic fibrosis.
3. The nurse is giving the client digoxin for heart failure and recognizes that the drug has what type of effect on the heart?
- A. Negative inotropic, negative chronotropic effect
- B. Positive inotropic, negative chronotropic effect
- C. Negative inotropic, positive chronotropic effect
- D. Positive inotropic, positive chronotropic effect
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Positive inotropic, negative chronotropic effect. Digoxin strengthens the heart muscle, providing a positive inotropic effect, which increases the force of contraction. It also decreases the heart rate, having a negative chronotropic effect. Choice A is incorrect because digoxin has a positive inotropic effect, not a negative inotropic effect. Choice C is incorrect as digoxin does not have a positive chronotropic effect but a negative one. Choice D is incorrect because while digoxin has a positive inotropic effect, it does not have a positive chronotropic effect.
4. 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.
5. What is the condition where the walls of the heart's ventricles become thickened, reducing the heart's ability to pump blood effectively?
- A. Ventricular hypertrophy
- B. Atrial fibrillation
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Cardiomyopathy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Ventricular hypertrophy is the correct answer. In ventricular hypertrophy, the walls of the heart's ventricles become thickened, which decreases the heart's efficiency in pumping blood. Atrial fibrillation (choice B) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to poor blood flow. While restrictive cardiomyopathy (choice C) involves the heart muscle becoming rigid and less compliant, it is not specifically characterized by thickening of the ventricular walls. Cardiomyopathy (choice D) is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle, which can present with various symptoms and causes.
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