this is a chronic lung disease that results in the gradual destruction of the alveoli causing difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen exchange

ATI RN

Cardiovascular System Practice Exam

1. Which of the following is a chronic lung disease that results in the gradual destruction of the alveoli, causing difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen exchange?

A. Emphysema
B. Bronchitis
C. Pulmonary hypertension
D. Sarcoidosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Emphysema is the correct answer as it is a chronic lung disease characterized by the gradual destruction of the alveoli, which are essential for oxygen exchange. This destruction leads to difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen levels in the blood. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not specifically involving alveoli destruction. Pulmonary hypertension is a condition of high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, not directly related to alveoli destruction. Sarcoidosis is a disease characterized by the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells in different parts of the body, including the lungs, but it does not primarily involve the destruction of alveoli.

2. The client on spironolactone (Aldactone) has a potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

A. Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider.
B. Administer a potassium supplement.
C. Continue the spironolactone as ordered.
D. Increase the dose of spironolactone.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: With a potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L, which is high, the priority action for the nurse is to hold the spironolactone. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can further increase potassium levels. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent exacerbating hyperkalemia by discontinuing the medication. Notifying the healthcare provider is necessary for further guidance and potential adjustments to the treatment plan. Administering a potassium supplement (Choice B) would be contraindicated since the client already has elevated potassium levels. Continuing the spironolactone as ordered (Choice C) can worsen hyperkalemia. Increasing the dose of spironolactone (Choice D) would be unsafe and exacerbate the high potassium levels.

3. What is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, often associated with infections or malignancies?

A. Pleural effusion
B. Pneumothorax
C. Pulmonary edema
D. Atelectasis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is the accumulation of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lungs, often caused by infections, cancer, or other diseases. Pneumothorax (choice B) is the presence of air in the pleural space, not fluid. Pulmonary edema (choice C) is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs' air sacs and tissue, not in the pleural space. Atelectasis (choice D) is the collapse or closure of a lung resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange.

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

A. Carotid body
B. Aortic body
C. Vagus nerve
D. SA node

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. Which surgical procedure involves removing a portion of the lung?

A. Lobectomy
B. Pneumonectomy
C. Tracheostomy
D. Bronchoscopy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A lobectomy is the surgical removal of a lobe of the lung. This procedure is commonly performed to treat conditions like lung cancer or severe lung diseases. Pneumonectomy involves removing an entire lung, making it incorrect. Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure to create an opening in the windpipe, not involving lung tissue removal. Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows visualization of the airways using a thin, flexible tube with a camera, not involving lung tissue removal.