this is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the pleural space to remove excess fluid and help the patient breathe more easily
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf

1. What procedure involves inserting a needle into the pleural space to remove excess fluid and help the patient breathe more easily?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Thoracentesis is the correct answer. It is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the pleural space to remove excess fluid, aiding in easier breathing. Bronchoscopy (Choice B) is a procedure to visualize the airways and diagnose lung problems, not specifically for fluid drainage. Spirometry (Choice C) is a test to measure lung function, not a procedure for fluid removal. Arterial blood gas (ABG) (Choice D) is a blood test to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, not a procedure for draining fluid from the pleural space.

2. What is the term used to describe a condition where the blood flow to the brain is temporarily interrupted, often referred to as a 'mini-stroke'?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transient ischemic attack (TIA). A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is often called a 'mini-stroke' because it is characterized by a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, resulting in stroke-like symptoms that typically resolve within a short period. Choice B, 'Stroke,' is incorrect because a stroke involves a more prolonged interruption of blood flow, leading to lasting brain damage. Choices C and D, 'Myocardial infarction' and 'Pulmonary embolism,' are unrelated conditions involving the heart and lungs, respectively, and do not describe a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain.

3. What structure separates the left and right sides of the heart?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The interventricular septum is the correct answer as it is the wall that separates the left and right sides of the heart, ensuring the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood do not mix. The endocardium is the inner lining of the heart chambers, the epicardium is the outermost layer of the heart wall, and the pericardium is the sac that surrounds the heart, providing protection and anchoring the heart in place. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect in the context of separating the left and right sides of the heart.

4. Which test measures how well the lungs work by assessing the amount of air the lungs can hold and how quickly air can be exhaled?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Spirometry. Spirometry is a pulmonary function test that evaluates lung function by measuring the amount of air a person can exhale and how quickly, assisting in the diagnosis of conditions such as asthma and COPD. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation in the blood, Arterial blood gas (ABG) evaluates blood pH, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels, and a Chest X-ray provides an image of the lungs but does not measure lung function.

5. The nurse is giving the client digoxin for heart failure and recognizes that the drug has what type of effect on the heart?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Positive inotropic, negative chronotropic effect. Digoxin strengthens the heart muscle, providing a positive inotropic effect, which increases the force of contraction. It also decreases the heart rate, having a negative chronotropic effect. Choice A is incorrect because digoxin has a positive inotropic effect, not a negative inotropic effect. Choice C is incorrect as digoxin does not have a positive chronotropic effect but a negative one. Choice D is incorrect because while digoxin has a positive inotropic effect, it does not have a positive chronotropic effect.

Similar Questions

What is an acute respiratory infection that inflames the alveoli in one or both lungs, causing them to fill with fluid or pus?
What is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the small airways in the lungs, leading to episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing?
The client is on digoxin and has severe digoxin toxicity. What is the nursing priority action?
The nurse is administering digoxin to a client with a heart rate of 45 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?
What is the condition where the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, becomes inflamed, leading to chest pain and other symptoms?

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