ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. The nurse is teaching a client about side effects of ACE inhibitors. What is the most important side effect to monitor?
- A. Cough
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hypotension
- D. Dizziness
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough. ACE inhibitors commonly cause a persistent dry cough in patients. This side effect is important to monitor because it can indicate the development of angioedema, a serious adverse reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is a potential side effect of ACE inhibitors but is not typically the most important one to monitor. Hypotension (choice C) and dizziness (choice D) are also possible side effects of ACE inhibitors, but they are not as critical to monitor as the development of a persistent cough.
2. What is a device that delivers a fine spray of medication into the airways?
- A. Nebulizer
- B. Inhaler
- C. Oxygen concentrator
- D. Peak flow meter
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A nebulizer is a device that converts liquid medication into a fine mist, allowing it to be inhaled directly into the lungs. This makes it the correct answer to the question. Choice B, an inhaler, delivers medication in a different form - as a pressurized dose that needs to be inhaled. Choice C, an oxygen concentrator, is used to deliver oxygen to patients with breathing difficulties but does not deliver medication. Choice D, a peak flow meter, is used to measure how fast air can be blown out of the lungs and is not involved in delivering medication.
3. The client on nitroglycerin complains of a headache. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. Administer acetaminophen as prescribed for the headache.
- B. Hold the next dose of nitroglycerin.
- C. Discontinue the nitroglycerin immediately.
- D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct response is to administer acetaminophen as prescribed for the headache. Headaches are a common side effect of nitroglycerin due to vasodilation. Administering acetaminophen can help relieve the headache. Holding the next dose of nitroglycerin (Choice B) may not address the current headache, and discontinuing nitroglycerin immediately (Choice C) without healthcare provider guidance can be dangerous due to the potential for rebound hypertension. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately (Choice D) is not necessary for a common side effect like a headache, and the nurse can manage this symptom independently.
4. What test uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the heart, allowing doctors to assess its structure and function?
- A. Echocardiogram
- B. MRI
- C. CT scan
- D. X-ray
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram utilizes high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the heart, enabling doctors to evaluate its structure, function, and detect any abnormalities. MRI (Choice B) uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body's structures. CT scan (Choice C) combines X-rays and computer technology to create cross-sectional images of the body. X-ray (Choice D) uses electromagnetic radiation to produce images of the internal structures of the body, but it is not the most suitable for assessing the heart's structure and function.
5. Which heart chamber receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it to the rest of the body?
- A. Left atrium
- B. Right atrium
- C. Left ventricle
- D. Right ventricle
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is the left ventricle. It receives oxygenated blood from the left atrium and pumps it to the rest of the body through the aorta. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs, the right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body, and the right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
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