ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. Which of the following is a genetic disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, leading to severe respiratory and digestive problems?
- A. Cystic fibrosis
- B. Pulmonary fibrosis
- C. Pulmonary edema
- D. Bronchiectasis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder characterized by the buildup of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and digestive system, resulting in severe respiratory and digestive issues. Choice B, pulmonary fibrosis, involves scarring and thickening of lung tissue, not excessive mucus production. Choice C, pulmonary edema, refers to fluid accumulation in the lungs, not mucus buildup. Choice D, bronchiectasis, is a condition where the airways in the lungs are damaged and widened, leading to chronic cough and sputum production, but it does not specifically involve the thick, sticky mucus characteristic of cystic fibrosis.
2. Which procedure is used to remove excess fluid or air from the pleural space, helping to relieve pressure on the lungs?
- A. Thoracentesis
- B. Bronchoscopy
- C. Chest X-ray
- D. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Thoracentesis. Thoracentesis is a procedure specifically designed to remove excess fluid or air from the pleural space in the chest. This process helps to relieve pressure on the lungs and improve breathing. Bronchoscopy (Choice B) is a procedure used to visualize the airways and diagnose lung conditions, not to remove fluid from the pleural space. Chest X-ray (Choice C) is an imaging test that provides a picture of the structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart, and bones. Arterial blood gas (ABG) test (Choice D) is a blood test that measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, providing information about how well the lungs are working, but it does not involve removing excess fluid or air from the pleural space.
3. The nurse is caring for a client on amiodarone. What adverse effect is the nurse most concerned about?
- A. Pulmonary toxicity
- B. Liver toxicity
- C. Thyroid dysfunction
- D. Renal dysfunction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pulmonary toxicity. Amiodarone is known to cause pulmonary toxicity, which can be serious and even fatal in some cases. This adverse effect includes interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Monitoring for symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, and fever is crucial. Choices B, Liver toxicity, C, Thyroid dysfunction, and D, Renal dysfunction, are incorrect because while amiodarone can also affect the liver, thyroid, and kidneys, the most concerning adverse effect that requires immediate attention and monitoring is pulmonary toxicity.
4. What test measures the electrical activity of the heart to detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions?
- A. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- B. Chest X-ray
- C. Stress test
- D. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is used to measure the heart's electrical activity, aiding in the detection of arrhythmias and other heart conditions. Choice B, a chest X-ray, is not used to measure electrical activity but to visualize the structures of the chest. Choice C, a stress test, evaluates the heart's response to exertion and is not primarily focused on measuring electrical activity. Choice D, an arterial blood gas (ABG) test, is used to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, not the heart's electrical activity.
5. What is a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is consistently too high, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Hypotension
- C. Diabetes
- D. Hyperlipidemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. This increased pressure can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease and stroke. Hypotension (choice B) refers to low blood pressure, which is not the correct term in this context. Diabetes (choice C) and hyperlipidemia (choice D) are also serious conditions but are not specifically characterized by consistently high blood pressure.
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