ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam
1. What test uses sound waves to create images of the heart and assess its structure and function?
- A. Echocardiogram
- B. MRI
- C. CT scan
- D. X-ray
Correct answer: A
Rationale: An echocardiogram is the correct answer because it is a test specifically designed to use sound waves to create images of the heart, allowing healthcare providers to assess both its structure and function, as well as to detect any abnormalities. MRI (Choice B), CT scan (Choice C), and X-ray (Choice D) do not primarily use sound waves for imaging the heart; therefore, they are not the most appropriate choices for this scenario.
2. What is a condition where a blood clot forms in a vein, often in the legs, which can cause pain and swelling and may lead to serious complications if it travels to the lungs?
- A. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- B. Pulmonary embolism
- C. Varicose veins
- D. Aneurysm
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the correct answer. It is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. If the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism. Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that are not typically associated with blood clots. Aneurysm is the abnormal swelling or bulging of a blood vessel.
3. The client on spironolactone (Aldactone) has a potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer a potassium supplement.
- C. Continue the spironolactone as ordered.
- D. Increase the dose of spironolactone.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: With a potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L, which is high, the priority action for the nurse is to hold the spironolactone. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can further increase potassium levels. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent exacerbating hyperkalemia by discontinuing the medication. Notifying the healthcare provider is necessary for further guidance and potential adjustments to the treatment plan. Administering a potassium supplement (Choice B) would be contraindicated since the client already has elevated potassium levels. Continuing the spironolactone as ordered (Choice C) can worsen hyperkalemia. Increasing the dose of spironolactone (Choice D) would be unsafe and exacerbate the high potassium levels.
4. This is the inflammation of the heart's inner lining, usually caused by an infection.
- A. Endocarditis
- B. Myocarditis
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Valvulitis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Endocarditis is the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart's chambers and valves, usually caused by a bacterial infection. Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle, Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium (the outer lining of the heart), and Valvulitis is the inflammation of the heart valves. Therefore, in this case, the correct answer is Endocarditis as it specifically refers to the inflammation of the heart's inner lining.
5. Which valve prevents backflow of blood into the right ventricle from the pulmonary artery?
- A. Pulmonary valve
- B. Aortic valve
- C. Tricuspid valve
- D. Mitral valve
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the Pulmonary valve. The Pulmonary valve prevents backflow of blood into the right ventricle from the pulmonary artery after it has been ejected. The Aortic valve (choice B) prevents backflow from the aorta into the left ventricle. The Tricuspid valve (choice C) prevents backflow of blood into the right atrium from the right ventricle. The Mitral valve (choice D) prevents backflow from the left ventricle into the left atrium.
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