ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. What is a life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly stops beating?
- A. Cardiac arrest
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Heart failure
- D. Atrial fibrillation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Cardiac arrest is the correct answer. It is a sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness, typically resulting in death if not treated immediately. Myocardial infarction (choice B) refers to a heart attack caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries. Heart failure (choice C) is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently. Atrial fibrillation (choice D) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to complications but is not the same as cardiac arrest.
2. The client is given an alpha agonist. What might it be used for?
- A. For hemostasis
- B. To dilate the arteries
- C. To dilate the veins
- D. To decrease afterload
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Alpha agonists are used for hemostasis to help control bleeding by constricting blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow to the area. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as alpha agonists do not typically dilate arteries, dilate veins, or decrease afterload.
3. The client is receiving intravenous dopamine. What is the most important nursing assessment?
- A. Monitor heart rate and rhythm
- B. Monitor blood pressure
- C. Monitor respiratory rate
- D. Monitor oxygen saturation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor heart rate and rhythm when a client is receiving intravenous dopamine. Dopamine is known to potentially cause arrhythmias, making this assessment crucial. While monitoring blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation are important nursing assessments, they are not the most critical when dopamine is being administered.
4. Which heart chamber ejects blood into the systemic arterial circulation via the aorta?
- A. Right atrium
- B. Left atrium
- C. Right ventricle
- D. Left ventricle
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Left ventricle. The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood into the systemic circulation via the aorta. This chamber receives oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium and contracts forcefully to propel blood into the aorta, distributing it to the body. The other options, right atrium, left atrium, and right ventricle, do not directly eject blood into the systemic arterial circulation via the aorta. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body, the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs, and the right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs for oxygenation.
5. Which type of medication helps to reduce the workload on the heart by slowing down the heart rate?
- A. Beta-blocker
- B. Calcium channel blocker
- C. Diuretic
- D. ACE inhibitor
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Beta-blockers are medications that work by blocking the action of hormones like adrenaline, thereby reducing the heart rate and the workload on the heart. This makes them effective in managing high blood pressure and various heart conditions. Calcium channel blockers work by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the heart's workload, but they do not primarily slow down the heart rate. Diuretics help the body get rid of excess salt and water by increasing urine production, which can lower blood pressure but not by slowing down the heart rate. ACE inhibitors work by relaxing blood vessels, not by directly affecting heart rate.
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