ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. Which term describes a type of abnormal heart rhythm characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria?
- A. Atrial fibrillation
- B. Ventricular fibrillation
- C. Atrial flutter
- D. Sinus tachycardia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is indeed a type of abnormal heart rhythm characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria. This condition can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure. Choice B, Ventricular fibrillation, is incorrect because it refers to a life-threatening arrhythmia that occurs in the ventricles, not the atria. Choice C, Atrial flutter, is incorrect as it describes a different type of atrial arrhythmia characterized by a regular but fast heartbeat. Choice D, Sinus tachycardia, is incorrect because it is a normal increase in heart rate originating from the sinus node, not an abnormal rhythm.
2. Which procedure is used to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients with arrhythmias, typically using electrical shocks?
- A. Cardioversion
- B. Defibrillation
- C. Ablation
- D. Angioplasty
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. Which of the following is a type of heart valve disease where the aortic valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body?
- A. Aortic stenosis
- B. Mitral stenosis
- C. Tricuspid regurgitation
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Aortic stenosis. In aortic stenosis, the aortic valve becomes narrowed, which obstructs the blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. This condition can lead to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Mitral stenosis (choice B) involves narrowing of the mitral valve, not the aortic valve. Tricuspid regurgitation (choice C) is a condition where the tricuspid valve leaks, causing blood to flow backward in the heart. Pulmonary hypertension (choice D) is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.
4. What is a life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly stops beating?
- A. Cardiac arrest
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Heart failure
- D. Atrial fibrillation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Cardiac arrest is the correct answer. It is a sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness, typically resulting in death if not treated immediately. Myocardial infarction (choice B) refers to a heart attack caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries. Heart failure (choice C) is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently. Atrial fibrillation (choice D) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to complications but is not the same as cardiac arrest.
5. Which type of medication is used to reduce the workload on the heart by slowing down the heart rate and lowering blood pressure?
- A. Beta-blocker
- B. ACE inhibitor
- C. Calcium channel blocker
- D. Diuretic
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Beta-blocker. Beta-blockers are medications that reduce the workload on the heart by slowing down the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. They are commonly used in the treatment of heart conditions such as hypertension and heart failure. ACE inhibitors (B) work by dilating blood vessels to reduce blood pressure, calcium channel blockers (C) prevent calcium from entering the heart muscle and blood vessel walls, and diuretics (D) help the body get rid of excess salt and water by increasing urine production.
Similar Questions
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