ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. What type of medication is used to relax the muscles around the airways and improve breathing in conditions like asthma and COPD?
- A. Bronchodilator
- B. Corticosteroid
- C. Mucolytic
- D. Antihistamine
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Bronchodilators are medications that relax the muscles around the airways, improving airflow and making breathing easier for patients with asthma or COPD. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce airway inflammation, while mucolytics help in thinning and clearing mucus. Antihistamines are used to treat allergies and not specifically to improve breathing in conditions like asthma or COPD.
2. What structures hold up the AV valves and are anchored to the ventricular wall by the papillary muscles?
- A. Chordae tendineae
- B. Papillary muscles
- C. Semilunar valves
- D. Aortic valve
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chordae tendineae. Chordae tendineae are fibrous cords that connect the AV valves to the papillary muscles, preventing the valves from inverting during ventricular contraction. Papillary muscles (choice B) anchor the chordae tendineae to the ventricular wall but do not hold up the AV valves directly. Semilunar valves (choice C) are located between the ventricles and the major arteries and are not involved in holding up the AV valves. The aortic valve (choice D) is one of the semilunar valves and is not responsible for holding up the AV valves.
3. Which disease is characterized by the damage to the alveoli in the lungs, leading to breathlessness?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Pulmonary fibrosis
- C. Lung cancer
- D. Lung abscess
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Emphysema. Emphysema is a lung condition characterized by the damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, which results in breathlessness and reduced lung function. Pulmonary fibrosis (B) is a condition where lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred, leading to stiffness in the lungs. Lung cancer (C) is a malignancy affecting the lungs, which can cause various symptoms depending on the stage. Lung abscess (D) is a localized collection of pus within the lung tissue, typically caused by a bacterial infection.
4. Which of the following is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing?
- A. Asthma
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Pneumonia
- D. Emphysema
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Asthma is the correct answer. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. These symptoms are often triggered by allergens or exercise. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, but it is not typically chronic or involve the same triggers as asthma. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, and emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often caused by smoking.
5. The healthcare provider is administering IV nitroglycerin to a patient for chest pain. What is the most critical parameter to monitor?
- A. Heart rate
- B. Blood pressure
- C. Oxygen saturation
- D. Respiratory rate
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Blood pressure.' Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure, leading to hypotension. Monitoring the blood pressure is crucial to prevent potential complications such as hypotension-induced dizziness, syncope, or organ hypoperfusion. While heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate are important parameters to monitor in a clinical setting, the immediate concern with IV nitroglycerin administration is the risk of hypotension, making blood pressure the most critical parameter to assess.
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