this is a condition where the walls of the alveoli in the lungs become weak and rupture reducing the surface area available for gas exchange
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

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?

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. Which condition is characterized by the sudden onset of shortness of breath, often occurring at night and associated with heart failure?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is the correct answer. It is characterized by the sudden onset of shortness of breath during sleep, often associated with heart failure. Choice B, Sleep apnea, involves pauses in breathing during sleep but is not specifically associated with heart failure. Choice C, Orthopnea, is difficulty breathing that occurs when lying down and is relieved by sitting up, not necessarily associated with heart failure. Choice D, Dyspnea, is a general term for difficulty breathing and does not specifically describe the sudden onset at night associated with heart failure as seen in paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.

3. The healthcare provider is administering IV nitroglycerin to a patient for chest pain. What is the most critical parameter to monitor?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Blood pressure.' Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure, leading to hypotension. Monitoring the blood pressure is crucial to prevent potential complications such as hypotension-induced dizziness, syncope, or organ hypoperfusion. While heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate are important parameters to monitor in a clinical setting, the immediate concern with IV nitroglycerin administration is the risk of hypotension, making blood pressure the most critical parameter to assess.

4. The client on warfarin has an INR of 4.5. What is the most appropriate action by the nurse?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An INR of 4.5 is elevated, indicating an increased risk of bleeding due to excessive anticoagulation. The most appropriate action for the nurse in this scenario is to administer vitamin K. Vitamin K helps reverse the anticoagulant effects of warfarin, thus lowering the INR and reducing the risk of bleeding. Holding the next dose of warfarin (choice B) is not sufficient to address the immediate high INR level. Increasing the dose of warfarin (choice C) would further elevate the INR, worsening the risk of bleeding. While monitoring the client's INR closely (choice D) is important, immediate action is required to address the critically high INR level, making the administration of vitamin K the priority intervention.

5. What is an acute respiratory infection that inflames the alveoli in one or both lungs, causing them to fill with fluid or pus?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pneumonia is the correct answer because it is an acute respiratory infection that inflames the alveoli in one or both lungs, leading to the accumulation of fluid or pus. This condition presents with symptoms like cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not the alveoli. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but does not always result in alveolar inflammation. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and narrowing, not alveolar inflammation.

Similar Questions

Which artery supplies the anterior wall of the left ventricle, the anterior interventricular septum, the anterior papillary muscles, and apex of the heart?
The client on warfarin has an INR of 3.8. What is the most appropriate action by the nurse?
For what reason might the nurse be given an order to administer milrinone (Primacor)?
Which of the following is a rare genetic disorder that affects the lungs, liver, and skin, causing the buildup of a specific protein that damages organs?
Which procedure is used to remove excess fluid or air from the pleural space, helping to relieve pressure on the lungs?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses