ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers
1. Which type of medication helps to reduce blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels?
- A. Calcium channel blocker
- B. ACE inhibitor
- C. Beta-blocker
- D. Diuretic
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Calcium channel blocker. Calcium channel blockers work by relaxing the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and reducing blood pressure. Choice B, ACE inhibitor, reduces blood pressure by blocking the production of angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels. Choice C, Beta-blocker, reduces heart rate and the heart's workload, not directly relaxing blood vessels. Choice D, Diuretic, reduces blood pressure by increasing urine output, reducing the volume of fluid in the blood vessels, rather than directly relaxing them.
2. This is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
- A. Heart failure
- B. Cardiomyopathy
- C. Myocarditis
- D. Pericarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart failure. Heart failure is a chronic condition characterized by the heart's inability to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. Choice B, Cardiomyopathy, refers to diseases of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure but is not the specific term for the condition described. Choices C and D, Myocarditis and Pericarditis, respectively, are conditions involving inflammation of the heart muscle or the lining around the heart, which can cause heart failure as a complication but are not the primary condition described in the question.
3. Which condition is characterized by an inability to effectively pump blood, leading to fluid buildup and swelling in the body?
- A. Heart failure
- B. Cardiomyopathy
- C. Angina
- D. Myocarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Heart failure is the correct answer. It is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, resulting in fluid accumulation and swelling in the body. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that affects its ability to pump blood but is not the specific condition described in the question. Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, not directly related to fluid buildup and swelling. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle and does not necessarily involve the inability to pump blood effectively.
4. The nurse is administering digoxin to a client with a heart rate of 45 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the digoxin as ordered.
- C. Increase the dose of digoxin.
- D. Monitor the client’s heart rate and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 45 bpm is already low, and digoxin can further decrease the heart rate, leading to serious complications like bradycardia or heart block. Administering the medication can exacerbate the bradycardia, hence it should be withheld. Increasing the dose of digoxin is contraindicated due to the client's low heart rate. Monitoring the heart rate alone without taking immediate action to withhold the medication is not the priority when faced with the risk of further lowering the heart rate.
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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