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Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers
1. Which condition is characterized by the weakening and rupture of the walls of the alveoli in the lungs, reducing the surface area available for gas exchange?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Atelectasis
- D. Pulmonary fibrosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Emphysema. Emphysema is a lung condition where the walls of the alveoli become weak and rupture, reducing the surface area available for gas exchange. This leads to shortness of breath. Choice B, Bronchitis, is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not the alveoli. Choice C, Atelectasis, involves the collapse of a part or entire lung, not the weakening and rupture of alveolar walls. Choice D, Pulmonary fibrosis, is a condition where lung tissue becomes thickened and stiff, not involving the weakening and rupture of alveoli walls.
2. The nurse is caring for a heart client on digoxin and notes a potassium level of 2.5. What is the appropriate priority nursing intervention?
- A. Do nothing as this is a normal potassium level.
- B. The potassium level is low so the nurse asks for an order for potassium.
- C. The nurse asks to check the digoxin level as low potassium can increase digoxin toxicity.
- D. The nurse stops the digoxin.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. When caring for a client on digoxin with a low potassium level, the priority nursing intervention is to check the digoxin level. Low potassium can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Checking the digoxin level will help determine if any adjustments to the medication regimen are needed to prevent potential harm. Choice A is incorrect as a potassium level of 2.5 is low, not normal. Choice B is not the priority as simply giving potassium may not address the underlying issue of potential digoxin toxicity. Choice D is not the initial action to take without assessing the digoxin level first.
3. When administering an ACE inhibitor to a client with heart failure, what is the expected outcome of this medication?
- A. Decreased blood pressure
- B. Increased heart rate
- C. Increased cardiac output
- D. Decreased heart rate
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increased cardiac output. ACE inhibitors are commonly used in heart failure to reduce the workload on the heart by decreasing blood pressure and increasing cardiac output. This ultimately helps improve the heart's efficiency and function. Choice A is incorrect because ACE inhibitors generally lead to a reduction in blood pressure. Choice B is incorrect as ACE inhibitors do not increase heart rate. Choice D is incorrect as ACE inhibitors do not typically decrease heart rate in the context of heart failure.
4. Which medication relaxes the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe?
- A. Bronchodilator
- B. Corticosteroid
- C. Antihistamine
- D. Mucolytic
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Bronchodilator. Bronchodilators are medications that relax the muscles surrounding the airways, which helps to open them and makes breathing easier. Corticosteroids (choice B) work by reducing inflammation, antihistamines (choice C) are used to manage allergies, and mucolytics (choice D) help to break down and thin mucus in the airways.
5. What type of medication is used to relax the muscles around the airways and improve breathing in conditions like asthma and COPD?
- A. Bronchodilator
- B. Corticosteroid
- C. Mucolytic
- D. Antihistamine
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Bronchodilators are medications that relax the muscles around the airways, improving airflow and making breathing easier for patients with asthma or COPD. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce airway inflammation, while mucolytics help in thinning and clearing mucus. Antihistamines are used to treat allergies and not specifically to improve breathing in conditions like asthma or COPD.
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