ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. Which of the following is a chronic condition where the heart muscle is weakened and unable to pump blood effectively, often leading to heart failure?
- A. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- B. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Myocarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by the heart muscle being weakened and unable to pump blood effectively, ultimately resulting in heart failure. Choice B, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, involves the heart muscle becoming abnormally thick, reducing the heart's efficiency. Choice C, Restrictive cardiomyopathy, refers to the heart becoming rigid and less able to fill with blood properly. Myocarditis, as in Choice D, is inflammation of the heart muscle usually caused by a viral infection and is different from the chronic weakening seen in dilated cardiomyopathy.
2. Which order should the nurse question?
- A. The addition of a loop diuretic with digoxin.
- B. The addition of a beta blocker with digoxin.
- C. A digoxin dose of 0.125 mg per day.
- D. The addition of an ACE inhibitor with digoxin.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because adding a beta blocker to digoxin can potentiate the bradycardic effect of digoxin, leading to serious complications such as heart block. This combination requires caution as it can significantly slow down the heart rate. Choices A, C, and D are not the best options to question in this scenario. Loop diuretics are commonly used with digoxin, a digoxin dose of 0.125 mg per day is within the typical range, and ACE inhibitors are often prescribed alongside digoxin for managing heart conditions.
3. What is a surgical procedure to redirect blood flow around a blocked or narrowed artery, often involving the use of a graft from another part of the body?
- A. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
- B. Valve replacement
- C. Aneurysm repair
- D. Atherectomy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). This surgical procedure is used to redirect blood flow around a blocked or narrowed artery by using a graft from another part of the body. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because valve replacement involves replacing heart valves, aneurysm repair addresses the treatment of aneurysms, and atherectomy is a procedure to remove plaque from blood vessels, none of which match the description provided in the question.
4. Which type of medication is used to reduce the workload on the heart by slowing down the heart rate and lowering blood pressure?
- A. Beta-blocker
- B. ACE inhibitor
- C. Calcium channel blocker
- D. Diuretic
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Beta-blocker. Beta-blockers are medications that reduce the workload on the heart by slowing down the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. They are commonly used in the treatment of heart conditions such as hypertension and heart failure. ACE inhibitors (B) work by dilating blood vessels to reduce blood pressure, calcium channel blockers (C) prevent calcium from entering the heart muscle and blood vessel walls, and diuretics (D) help the body get rid of excess salt and water by increasing urine production.
5. What is the narrowing of the arteries due to the buildup of plaque, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes?
- A. Coronary artery disease
- B. Peripheral artery disease
- C. Aortic stenosis
- D. Mitral valve prolapse
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Coronary artery disease is the correct answer. It is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to plaque buildup, which can lead to heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues. Choice B, Peripheral artery disease, involves the narrowing of arteries in the limbs, not specifically the coronary arteries. Choice C, Aortic stenosis, refers to the narrowing of the aortic valve opening, not the arteries. Choice D, Mitral valve prolapse, is a condition where the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle doesn't close properly, unrelated to arterial narrowing.
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