ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam
1. What is a condition where the heart beats too slowly, reducing the amount of blood pumped to the body?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Tachycardia
- C. Atrial fibrillation
- D. Ventricular fibrillation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Bradycardia is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by a slow heart rate, which reduces the amount of blood pumped to the body. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue and dizziness. Choice B, Tachycardia, is the opposite condition where the heart beats too fast. Choices C and D, Atrial fibrillation and Ventricular fibrillation, refer to irregular and potentially life-threatening rapid heart rhythms involving the atria and ventricles respectively, not a slow heart rate.
2. What are the pressure-sensitive structures located in the aortic and carotid bodies called?
- A. Baroreceptors
- B. Chemoreceptors
- C. Nociceptors
- D. Mechanoreceptors
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Baroreceptors are the correct answer. Baroreceptors are specialized sensory receptors that detect changes in pressure within blood vessels. They are primarily located in the aortic arch and carotid sinuses, where they play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. Chemoreceptors (Choice B) are receptors that detect chemical changes, not pressure changes. Nociceptors (Choice C) are responsible for detecting painful stimuli. Mechanoreceptors (Choice D) respond to mechanical stimuli such as touch, pressure, and vibration, but they are not specifically located in the aortic and carotid bodies.
3. What is a condition where the walls of the arteries in the lungs become thickened and stiff, leading to increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries?
- A. Pulmonary hypertension
- B. Pulmonary fibrosis
- C. Pulmonary embolism
- D. Pulmonary edema
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pulmonary hypertension is a condition characterized by the thickening and stiffening of the arteries in the lungs, resulting in elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This condition is distinct from the other choices provided. Pulmonary fibrosis involves scarring of lung tissue, pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary artery, and pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
4. The client is on spironolactone (Aldactone) and has a potassium level of 5.9 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer potassium supplements.
- C. Continue the spironolactone as ordered.
- D. Increase the dose of spironolactone.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider. A potassium level of 5.9 mEq/L is high, indicating hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can further increase potassium levels. Therefore, the priority action is to hold the medication to prevent exacerbating hyperkalemia and notify the healthcare provider for further guidance. Choice B is incorrect because administering potassium supplements would worsen hyperkalemia. Choice C is incorrect because continuing spironolactone could lead to a further increase in potassium levels. Choice D is incorrect because increasing the dose of spironolactone would exacerbate the hyperkalemia.
5. What is a condition where the heart's mitral valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak backward into the left atrium?
- A. Mitral valve prolapse
- B. Aortic stenosis
- C. Mitral stenosis
- D. Tricuspid regurgitation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Mitral valve prolapse is the correct answer. It occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, leading to blood leaking backward into the left atrium. This condition can manifest with symptoms such as palpitations and chest pain. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because aortic stenosis involves narrowing of the aortic valve, mitral stenosis is the narrowing of the mitral valve, and tricuspid regurgitation is when blood leaks backward through the tricuspid valve.
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