ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers
1. What condition is characterized by the inflammation of the pleura, causing sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing?
- A. Pleurisy
- B. Pericarditis
- C. Endocarditis
- D. Myocarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Pleurisy. Pleurisy is the inflammation of the pleura, the lining surrounding the lungs, which causes sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing. Pericarditis (choice B) is the inflammation of the pericardium, the sac around the heart, which typically causes chest pain that worsens when lying down. Endocarditis (choice C) is the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, leading to symptoms like fever, fatigue, and abnormal heart sounds. Myocarditis (choice D) is inflammation of the heart muscle, which can cause symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
2. The client is receiving intravenous dopamine. What is the most important nursing assessment?
- A. Monitor heart rate and rhythm
- B. Monitor blood pressure
- C. Monitor respiratory rate
- D. Monitor oxygen saturation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor heart rate and rhythm when a client is receiving intravenous dopamine. Dopamine is known to potentially cause arrhythmias, making this assessment crucial. While monitoring blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation are important nursing assessments, they are not the most critical when dopamine is being administered.
3. What is a chronic condition where the airways in the lungs become damaged and widened, leading to mucus buildup and frequent infections?
- A. Bronchiectasis
- B. Chronic bronchitis
- C. Pneumoconiosis
- D. Asthma
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition characterized by the damage and widening of the airways in the lungs, resulting in mucus accumulation and recurrent lung infections. Choice B, chronic bronchitis, involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes and excessive mucus production but does not specifically mention airway damage and widening. Choice C, pneumoconiosis, refers to lung diseases caused by inhalation of mineral dust particles, not airway damage and mucus buildup. Choice D, asthma, is a chronic condition characterized by airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to breathing difficulties, but it does not involve the widening and damage of the airways as seen in bronchiectasis.
4. The client is prescribed warfarin. What should the client be taught about this medication?
- A. Avoid foods high in vitamin K.
- B. Take the medication with food to prevent stomach upset.
- C. Take the medication at the same time every day.
- D. Increase the dose if a dose is missed.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid foods high in vitamin K. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication, and vitamin K can counteract its effects. Therefore, it is important for clients taking warfarin to avoid foods high in vitamin K to maintain the medication's effectiveness. Choice B is incorrect because warfarin should be taken consistently as prescribed, regardless of food intake. Choice C is incorrect because while consistency in timing is important, it is not specific to the effectiveness of warfarin. Choice D is incorrect because clients should never increase the dose of warfarin on their own, especially to make up for a missed dose, as it can lead to serious bleeding risks.
5. Which term conceptualizes that the greater the myocardial fiber stretch, within physiologic limits, the more forceful the ventricular contraction, thereby increasing stroke volume?
- A. Frank-Starling’s Law
- B. Automaticity
- C. Contractility
- D. Excitability
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Frank-Starling’s Law. This law explains that within physiologic limits, the greater the stretch of myocardial fibers, the more forceful the ventricular contraction, leading to an increased stroke volume. Choice B, Automaticity, refers to the ability of cardiac cells to spontaneously generate electrical impulses. Choice C, Contractility, represents the intrinsic ability of the heart muscle to contract. Choice D, Excitability, refers to the ability of cardiac cells to respond to electrical stimuli.
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