ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. What test measures the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time, typically 24 to 48 hours?
- A. Holter monitor
- B. Echocardiogram
- C. Stress test
- D. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Holter monitor. A Holter monitor is a portable device that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of 24 to 48 hours. It is used to detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions. Choice B, Echocardiogram, is a test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart's structure and function, not focused on the electrical activity. Choice C, Stress test, evaluates the heart's function under stress but does not monitor electrical activity over an extended period. Choice D, Arterial blood gas (ABG), measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, unrelated to measuring the electrical activity of the heart over time.
2. Which of the following is a chronic lung disease that results in the gradual destruction of the alveoli, causing difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen exchange?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Pulmonary hypertension
- D. Sarcoidosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Emphysema is the correct answer as it is a chronic lung disease characterized by the gradual destruction of the alveoli, which are essential for oxygen exchange. This destruction leads to difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen levels in the blood. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not specifically involving alveoli destruction. Pulmonary hypertension is a condition of high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, not directly related to alveoli destruction. Sarcoidosis is a disease characterized by the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells in different parts of the body, including the lungs, but it does not primarily involve the destruction of alveoli.
3. What is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged or diseased heart valve with a prosthetic valve?
- A. Valve replacement
- B. Angioplasty
- C. Stent placement
- D. Bypass surgery
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Valve replacement is the correct answer because it involves replacing a damaged or diseased heart valve with a prosthetic valve. This procedure is essential for improving blood flow and heart function. Angioplasty (choice B) is a procedure to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries. Stent placement (choice C) involves inserting a mesh tube to help support weak arteries. Bypass surgery (choice D) is a procedure to create new routes for blood flow when arteries are blocked.
4. Which valve opens during ventricular systole and closes during ventricular diastole?
- A. Aortic valve
- B. Pulmonary valve
- C. Mitral valve
- D. Tricuspid valve
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pulmonary valve. The pulmonary valve opens during ventricular systole to allow blood to flow from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery. The aortic valve opens during ventricular systole to allow blood to flow from the left ventricle into the aorta. The mitral valve and tricuspid valve are atrioventricular valves that open during ventricular diastole to allow blood to flow from the atria into the ventricles.
5. The client is on furosemide (Lasix) and has a potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Administer potassium supplements.
- B. Hold the furosemide and notify the healthcare provider.
- C. Continue the current dose of furosemide.
- D. Decrease the dose of furosemide.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer potassium supplements. A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss. Therefore, the priority action is to administer potassium supplements to correct the imbalance. Option B is incorrect because holding the furosemide without addressing the low potassium level could further worsen the imbalance. Option C is incorrect as continuing the current dose of furosemide without addressing the low potassium level could lead to complications. Option D is incorrect because decreasing the dose of furosemide does not directly address the low potassium level that needs immediate correction.
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