ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. Which chronic condition is characterized by abnormally thickened heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently?
- A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- B. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Ventricular hypertrophy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the correct answer. In this condition, the heart muscle becomes abnormally thickened, leading to difficulties in pumping blood efficiently. Dilated cardiomyopathy (choice B) involves the enlargement of the heart chambers, not thickening of the heart muscle. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (choice C) is characterized by stiffening of the heart muscle, impairing its ability to fill properly. Ventricular hypertrophy (choice D) refers to the thickening of the heart's ventricle walls, which can result from various conditions, not solely hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
2. Which of the following is a type of heart attack that occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is severely reduced or stopped?
- A. Myocardial infarction
- B. Angina
- C. Stroke
- D. Congestive heart failure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is severely reduced or stopped, leading to tissue damage or death. Angina (choice B) is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. Stroke (choice C) is a condition where the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced. Congestive heart failure (choice D) is a chronic condition where the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should.
3. The client is given an alpha agonist. What might it be used for?
- A. For hemostasis
- B. To dilate the arteries
- C. To dilate the veins
- D. To decrease afterload
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Alpha agonists are used for hemostasis to help control bleeding by constricting blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow to the area. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as alpha agonists do not typically dilate arteries, dilate veins, or decrease afterload.
4. When administering dobutamine to a client, what is the most important parameter to assess?
- A. Blood pressure
- B. Heart rate
- C. Oxygen saturation
- D. Respiratory rate
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When giving dobutamine, the most critical parameter to assess is blood pressure. Dobutamine is known to cause significant changes in blood pressure, making it essential to closely monitor this parameter to prevent adverse effects. While heart rate is also important to monitor, blood pressure takes precedence due to the potential for hemodynamic instability caused by dobutamine. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate, although vital signs to monitor, are not typically affected directly by dobutamine administration.
5. The client on enoxaparin (Lovenox) is scheduled for surgery. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Hold the enoxaparin and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the enoxaparin as scheduled.
- C. Administer vitamin K before the surgery.
- D. Monitor the client’s INR and proceed with surgery.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the enoxaparin and notify the healthcare provider. Enoxaparin, being an anticoagulant, should be held before surgery to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during the procedure. It is crucial to inform the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate management plan. Choice B is incorrect because administering enoxaparin before surgery can increase the risk of bleeding. Choice C is incorrect as vitamin K administration is not typically indicated in this situation. Choice D is incorrect because monitoring the client's INR and proceeding with surgery without addressing the enoxaparin can lead to significant bleeding complications.
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