ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. When monitoring a client on dobutamine, what is the most important parameter to assess?
- A. Blood pressure
- B. Heart rate
- C. Oxygen saturation
- D. Respiratory rate
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure. When a client is on dobutamine, it is crucial to closely monitor their blood pressure as dobutamine can cause significant changes in blood pressure. While heart rate is also important to monitor during this time, blood pressure is the most critical parameter to assess. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate are also important parameters to monitor in a patient receiving dobutamine, but they are not as crucial as blood pressure in this scenario.
2. Which condition is characterized by fluid collection in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe?
- A. Pulmonary edema
- B. Pleurisy
- C. Pleural effusion
- D. Pneumothorax
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pulmonary edema. Pulmonary edema is a condition where fluid accumulates in the air sacs of the lungs, causing breathing difficulty. Pleurisy (choice B) is inflammation of the pleura causing chest pain. Pleural effusion (choice C) is the buildup of excess fluid in the pleural space, the area between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity. Pneumothorax (choice D) is the presence of air in the pleural space, which can cause a lung to collapse.
3. What is a condition characterized by episodes of severe, acute shortness of breath, often occurring at night?
- A. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
- B. Sleep apnea
- C. Orthopnea
- D. Dyspnea
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is the correct answer. It is characterized by sudden episodes of severe shortness of breath during sleep, often waking the individual. Choice B, Sleep apnea, involves pauses in breathing during sleep but does not usually present with acute shortness of breath. Choice C, Orthopnea, refers to shortness of breath that occurs when lying flat and is relieved by sitting up. Choice D, Dyspnea, is a general term for difficult or labored breathing and does not specifically describe acute episodes at night.
4. What condition is characterized by the inflammation of the heart's outer lining, often causing chest pain and other symptoms?
- A. Pericarditis
- B. Endocarditis
- C. Myocarditis
- D. Valvular heart disease
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pericarditis is the correct answer because it is the inflammation of the pericardium, the outer lining of the heart. This condition commonly presents with symptoms like chest pain. Endocarditis (choice B) is the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. Myocarditis (choice C) is the inflammation of the heart muscle itself. Valvular heart disease (choice D) refers to various conditions affecting the heart valves, not specifically the outer lining of the heart.
5. The client on atorvastatin (Lipitor) should be advised to report which of the following symptoms?
- A. Muscle pain
- B. Headache
- C. Nausea
- D. Dizziness
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Muscle pain. Muscle pain can be a sign of rhabdomyolysis, a serious side effect of statins like atorvastatin. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition where muscle fibers break down rapidly and release their contents into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney damage. Headache, nausea, and dizziness are not commonly associated with atorvastatin use and are less likely to indicate a serious adverse reaction compared to muscle pain.
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