ATI RN
Physical Exam Cardiovascular System
1. Which type of medication helps to reduce the workload on the heart by slowing down the heart rate?
- A. Beta-blocker
- B. Calcium channel blocker
- C. Diuretic
- D. ACE inhibitor
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Beta-blockers are medications that work by blocking the action of hormones like adrenaline, thereby reducing the heart rate and the workload on the heart. This makes them effective in managing high blood pressure and various heart conditions. Calcium channel blockers work by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the heart's workload, but they do not primarily slow down the heart rate. Diuretics help the body get rid of excess salt and water by increasing urine production, which can lower blood pressure but not by slowing down the heart rate. ACE inhibitors work by relaxing blood vessels, not by directly affecting heart rate.
2. What is a condition where the blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked, often referred to as a mini-stroke?
- A. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- B. Stroke
- C. Aneurysm
- D. Myocardial infarction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is the correct answer. A TIA is often referred to as a mini-stroke because it is caused by a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. This blockage resolves on its own, typically within minutes to hours, leading to temporary symptoms similar to a stroke. Option B, 'Stroke,' is incorrect because a stroke involves a more prolonged interruption of blood flow to the brain. Option C, 'Aneurysm,' is incorrect as it is a bulge in a blood vessel that can rupture and cause bleeding, not a temporary blockage of blood flow. Option D, 'Myocardial infarction,' is also incorrect as it refers to a heart attack, not a condition involving the brain's blood flow.
3. What is the condition where the walls of the heart's ventricles become thickened, reducing the heart's ability to pump blood effectively?
- A. Ventricular hypertrophy
- B. Atrial fibrillation
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Cardiomyopathy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Ventricular hypertrophy is the correct answer. In ventricular hypertrophy, the walls of the heart's ventricles become thickened, which decreases the heart's efficiency in pumping blood. Atrial fibrillation (choice B) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to poor blood flow. While restrictive cardiomyopathy (choice C) involves the heart muscle becoming rigid and less compliant, it is not specifically characterized by thickening of the ventricular walls. Cardiomyopathy (choice D) is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle, which can present with various symptoms and causes.
4. The nurse is caring for a client on enalapril (Vasotec). What is the most important side effect to monitor?
- A. Cough
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hypotension
- D. Dizziness
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor, and cough is a common side effect associated with this class of medication. Monitoring for cough is crucial as it can indicate the development of a potentially serious condition known as angioedema. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is a possible side effect of ACE inhibitors but is not the most important side effect to monitor. Hypotension (choice C) and dizziness (choice D) are also potential side effects of enalapril; however, cough takes precedence due to its association with angioedema, a severe adverse reaction.
5. What is the procedure to remove a sample of tissue from the lung for examination under a microscope?
- A. Lung biopsy
- B. Bronchoscopy
- C. Thoracentesis
- D. Lobectomy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, lung biopsy. A lung biopsy involves removing a small sample of lung tissue for examination under a microscope to diagnose lung conditions. Choice B, bronchoscopy, is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera is inserted into the airways to view the lungs. This procedure is more for diagnostic purposes and not specifically for tissue removal. Choice C, thoracentesis, is a procedure to remove fluid from the pleural space around the lungs for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, not for tissue biopsy. Choice D, lobectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove a lobe of the lung, usually done to treat conditions like lung cancer or severe infections, but it does not involve removing tissue for microscopic examination.
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