ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. What is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body?
- A. Heart failure
- B. Cardiomyopathy
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Aortic stenosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Heart failure is the correct answer. It is a chronic condition characterized by the heart's inability to pump blood efficiently, resulting in symptoms like fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention. Cardiomyopathy (choice B) refers to diseases of the heart muscle, but it is a broader category that includes various conditions affecting the heart muscle. Pericarditis (choice C) is the inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, and aortic stenosis (choice D) is a condition where the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart.
2. The healthcare provider is monitoring a client on an ACE inhibitor. What lab value is most important to monitor?
- A. Potassium
- B. Sodium
- C. Creatinine
- D. Calcium
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium. When a client is on an ACE inhibitor, it is crucial to monitor potassium levels because ACE inhibitors can lead to an increase in potassium, potentially causing hyperkalemia. Monitoring sodium levels (Choice B) is not as critical in this scenario. Creatinine levels (Choice C) are important for assessing kidney function but are not the most crucial lab value to monitor with ACE inhibitors. Calcium levels (Choice D) are not directly affected by ACE inhibitors and are not the priority for monitoring in this case.
3. Which of the following is a chronic condition characterized by difficulty breathing due to airflow obstruction, commonly associated with long-term smoking?
- A. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- B. Asthma
- C. Pulmonary hypertension
- D. Bronchitis
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.
4. Which condition involves the tearing of the aorta, leading to severe pain and internal bleeding?
- A. Aortic dissection
- B. Aneurysm
- C. Stroke
- D. Myocardial infarction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Aortic dissection. Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition where the inner layer of the aorta tears, causing severe chest or back pain and internal bleeding, requiring immediate medical attention. Choice B, aneurysm, involves a bulging or weakening of a blood vessel wall, which is different from a tear in the aorta. Choices C and D, stroke and myocardial infarction, do not directly involve the tearing of the aorta and are distinct conditions.
5. The healthcare provider is administering IV nitroglycerin to a patient for chest pain. What is the most critical parameter to monitor?
- A. Heart rate
- B. Blood pressure
- C. Oxygen saturation
- D. Respiratory rate
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Blood pressure.' Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure, leading to hypotension. Monitoring the blood pressure is crucial to prevent potential complications such as hypotension-induced dizziness, syncope, or organ hypoperfusion. While heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate are important parameters to monitor in a clinical setting, the immediate concern with IV nitroglycerin administration is the risk of hypotension, making blood pressure the most critical parameter to assess.
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