ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam
1. Which medication is used to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes?
- A. ACE inhibitor
- B. Beta-blocker
- C. Diuretic
- D. Calcium channel blocker
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is an ACE inhibitor. ACE inhibitors are medications specifically designed to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. Beta-blockers, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers are also used to treat high blood pressure, but ACE inhibitors are particularly effective in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
2. What is the accumulation of fatty deposits along the walls of arteries, leading to reduced blood flow?
- A. Atherosclerosis
- B. Arteriosclerosis
- C. Aneurysm
- D. Thrombosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Atherosclerosis is the correct answer. It refers to the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) along the inner walls of arteries, narrowing the blood vessels and reducing blood flow. This condition can lead to serious complications such as heart attacks or strokes. Arteriosclerosis (choice B) is a broader term that refers to the thickening and hardening of the arterial walls. While related, it is not as specific as atherosclerosis in describing the fatty deposit accumulation. Aneurysm (choice C) is the abnormal bulging of an artery wall that can rupture and cause internal bleeding, not specifically related to fatty deposits. Thrombosis (choice D) is the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel, which can obstruct blood flow, but it is not directly related to the accumulation of fatty deposits.
3. The client is on hydrochlorothiazide and digoxin. What effect can the nurse expect?
- A. Hydrochlorothiazide increases digoxin levels.
- B. Hydrochlorothiazide decreases digoxin levels.
- C. Hydrochlorothiazide decreases potassium, increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.
- D. Digoxin can increase the effectiveness of hydrochlorothiazide.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that can decrease potassium levels, which in turn can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin typically doesn't impact hydrochlorothiazide levels or effectiveness, making choices A, B, and D incorrect. Choice A stating that hydrochlorothiazide increases digoxin levels is inaccurate. Choice B suggesting that hydrochlorothiazide decreases digoxin levels is also incorrect. Choice D, stating that digoxin can increase the effectiveness of hydrochlorothiazide, is not a typical interaction seen between these medications.
4. Which condition is characterized by fluid collection in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe?
- A. Pulmonary edema
- B. Pleurisy
- C. Pleural effusion
- D. Pneumothorax
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pulmonary edema. Pulmonary edema is a condition where fluid accumulates in the air sacs of the lungs, causing breathing difficulty. Pleurisy (choice B) is inflammation of the pleura causing chest pain. Pleural effusion (choice C) is the buildup of excess fluid in the pleural space, the area between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity. Pneumothorax (choice D) is the presence of air in the pleural space, which can cause a lung to collapse.
5. The client on nitroglycerin complains of a headache. How does the nurse explain this?
- A. This is a normal side effect of nitroglycerin.
- B. This is an allergic reaction to nitroglycerin.
- C. This is an indication of overdose.
- D. This is a sign of heart failure.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'This is a normal side effect of nitroglycerin.' Headaches are a common side effect of nitroglycerin due to vasodilation. Choice B is incorrect because allergic reactions to nitroglycerin typically present with symptoms like rash, itching, or shortness of breath. Choice C is incorrect as an overdose of nitroglycerin would likely present with symptoms beyond just a headache. Choice D is incorrect because headaches related to nitroglycerin are not indicative of heart failure.
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