this is a chronic condition characterized by difficulty breathing due to airflow obstruction commonly associated with long term smoking
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Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf

1. Which of the following is a chronic condition characterized by difficulty breathing due to airflow obstruction, commonly associated with long-term smoking?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a chronic lung condition characterized by persistent airflow obstruction, commonly linked to long-term smoking. Choice B, Asthma, is a chronic condition characterized by reversible airflow obstruction and airway inflammation triggered by various factors like allergens and irritants. Choice C, Pulmonary hypertension, is a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. Choice D, Bronchitis, is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes that may be acute or chronic, but it is not typically associated with long-term smoking like COPD.

2. The client on nitroglycerin complains of a headache. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

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.

3. The client is on nitroglycerin and reports chest pain. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Notify the healthcare provider immediately. If a client on nitroglycerin reports chest pain, the priority action is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. This is crucial to ensure prompt reassessment of the client's condition and treatment plan. Administering nitroglycerin, morphine, or aspirin without consulting the healthcare provider first can be risky as the chest pain may indicate a need for a change in treatment or further evaluation. Administering medications without proper assessment and guidance can lead to complications and is not recommended in this scenario.

4. Which structure serves as the major chemoreceptor of the heart?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, the carotid body. The carotid body is the major chemoreceptor of the heart responsible for detecting changes in blood oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels. This specialized structure helps regulate the cardiovascular system's response to maintain appropriate oxygen levels in the blood. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not directly involved in chemoreception in the heart. The aortic body is primarily involved in blood pressure regulation, the vagus nerve is a cranial nerve responsible for parasympathetic innervation, and the SA node is known as the heart's natural pacemaker.

5. The nurse is caring for a client on digoxin with a heart rate of 48 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's priority action should be to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 48 bpm is low, and digoxin, being a medication that can further decrease the heart rate, should be withheld. Administering the digoxin as ordered (Choice B) would not be appropriate in this situation as it can exacerbate bradycardia. Atropine (Choice C) is not the initial treatment for this scenario; holding the digoxin is the first action. Increasing the dose of digoxin (Choice D) would be contraindicated due to the client's bradycardia. Therefore, the correct action is to hold the digoxin and inform the healthcare provider for further guidance.

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