ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. Which heart chamber ejects blood into the systemic arterial circulation via the aorta?
- A. Right atrium
- B. Left atrium
- C. Right ventricle
- D. Left ventricle
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Left ventricle. The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood into the systemic circulation via the aorta. This chamber receives oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium and contracts forcefully to propel blood into the aorta, distributing it to the body. The other options, right atrium, left atrium, and right ventricle, do not directly eject blood into the systemic arterial circulation via the aorta. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body, the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs, and the right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs for oxygenation.
2. What is a condition where the lungs become stiff and scarred, making it difficult to breathe and get enough oxygen into the bloodstream?
- A. Pulmonary fibrosis
- B. Pulmonary edema
- C. Pulmonary embolism
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition characterized by the stiffening and scarring of the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and impairing the transfer of oxygen into the bloodstream. Pulmonary edema refers to fluid accumulation in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties due to fluid filling the air sacs. Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, often caused by a blood clot. Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, which can lead to strain on the heart and affect oxygen levels in the blood.
3. Which type of lung cancer begins in the cells lining the bronchi and bronchioles?
- A. Adenocarcinoma
- B. Small cell lung cancer
- C. Squamous cell carcinoma
- D. Mesothelioma
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Adenocarcinoma is the correct answer because it is a type of lung cancer that originates in the cells lining the bronchi and bronchioles. Adenocarcinoma is one of the most common types of lung cancer, often found in non-smokers and more frequently in women. Small cell lung cancer (Choice B) typically starts in the bronchi, but it is characterized by its rapid growth and tendency to spread quickly. Squamous cell carcinoma (Choice C) usually begins in the squamous cells lining the bronchi and is strongly associated with smoking. Mesothelioma (Choice D) is a cancer that affects the lining of certain organs like the lungs, often caused by asbestos exposure, but it does not specifically start in the cells lining the bronchi and bronchioles.
4. The nurse is giving 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, an abnormally slow heart rate. Monitoring the heart rate is essential to prevent potential complications associated with digoxin therapy. Choices B, C, and D are less critical parameters to assess before administering digoxin. While blood pressure is also important to monitor during digoxin therapy, the most crucial parameter to check due to the medication's potential effect on heart rate is the heart rate itself.
5. What procedure involves inserting a needle into the pleural space to remove excess fluid and help the patient breathe more easily?
- A. Thoracentesis
- B. Bronchoscopy
- C. Spirometry
- D. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Thoracentesis is the correct answer. It is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the pleural space to remove excess fluid, aiding in easier breathing. Bronchoscopy (Choice B) is a procedure to visualize the airways and diagnose lung problems, not specifically for fluid drainage. Spirometry (Choice C) is a test to measure lung function, not a procedure for fluid removal. Arterial blood gas (ABG) (Choice D) is a blood test to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, not a procedure for draining fluid from the pleural space.
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