this is a test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart allowing doctors to assess its structure and function
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Cardiovascular System Exam Questions

1. Which test uses sound waves to create images of the heart, allowing doctors to assess its structure and function?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart, enabling doctors to assess its structure and function. This imaging technique is particularly useful in detecting abnormalities such as valve disease. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because MRI, CT scans, and X-rays use different imaging technologies that do not rely on sound waves to visualize the heart.

2. Which procedure is used to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients with arrhythmias, typically using electrical shocks?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardioversion. Cardioversion is the procedure used to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients with arrhythmias by delivering controlled electrical shocks to the heart. Choice B, Defibrillation, is incorrect because defibrillation is used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias by delivering an unsynchronized high-energy shock to the heart. Choice C, Ablation, is incorrect as it involves destroying abnormal tissue that causes arrhythmias, not necessarily restoring normal heart rhythm. Choice D, Angioplasty, is unrelated to heart rhythm restoration and is a procedure to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels.

3. 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.

4. The nurse is caring for a client on digoxin with a heart rate of 48 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's priority action should be to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 48 bpm is low, and digoxin, being a medication that can further decrease the heart rate, should be withheld. Administering the digoxin as ordered (Choice B) would not be appropriate in this situation as it can exacerbate bradycardia. Atropine (Choice C) is not the initial treatment for this scenario; holding the digoxin is the first action. Increasing the dose of digoxin (Choice D) would be contraindicated due to the client's bradycardia. Therefore, the correct action is to hold the digoxin and inform the healthcare provider for further guidance.

5. This is a procedure where a small mesh tube is inserted into an artery to keep it open and improve blood flow.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Stent placement is a procedure where a small mesh tube (stent) is inserted into an artery to keep it open and improve blood flow, often following angioplasty.

Similar Questions

Which surgical procedure involves grafting a blood vessel to bypass a blocked artery in the heart?
When administering an ACE inhibitor to a client with heart failure, what is the expected outcome of this medication?
What is the procedure where a catheter is used to open a blocked or narrowed coronary artery, often involving the placement of a stent?
This medication type is used to relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure.
Which fibers distribute the electrical impulse to the ventricles, causing them to contract?

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