ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. What is the term for the amount of blood ejected by the left ventricle into the aorta per beat, determined by preload, contractility, and afterload?
- A. Stroke volume
- B. Cardiac output
- C. End-diastolic volume
- D. Ejection fraction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stroke volume. Stroke volume refers to the volume of blood ejected by the left ventricle during each heartbeat. This is determined by preload (the degree of stretch of the cardiac muscle fibers at the end of diastole), contractility (the force of myocardial contraction), and afterload (the pressure or resistance that the ventricle must overcome to eject blood). Choice B, Cardiac output, is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute and is calculated by multiplying the heart rate by the stroke volume. Choice C, End-diastolic volume, is the volume of blood in the ventricle at the end of diastole before contraction. Choice D, Ejection fraction, is the proportion of blood pumped out of the ventricle with each contraction, calculated by dividing the stroke volume by the end-diastolic volume.
2. The nurse is caring for a client on amiodarone. What adverse effect is the nurse most concerned about?
- A. Pulmonary toxicity
- B. Liver toxicity
- C. Thyroid dysfunction
- D. Renal dysfunction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pulmonary toxicity. Amiodarone is known to cause pulmonary toxicity, which can be serious and even fatal in some cases. This adverse effect includes interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Monitoring for symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, and fever is crucial. Choices B, Liver toxicity, C, Thyroid dysfunction, and D, Renal dysfunction, are incorrect because while amiodarone can also affect the liver, thyroid, and kidneys, the most concerning adverse effect that requires immediate attention and monitoring is pulmonary toxicity.
3. What is a condition where the lungs become stiff and scarred, making it difficult to breathe and get enough oxygen into the bloodstream?
- A. Pulmonary fibrosis
- B. Pulmonary edema
- C. Pulmonary embolism
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition characterized by the stiffening and scarring of the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and impairing the transfer of oxygen into the bloodstream. Pulmonary edema refers to fluid accumulation in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties due to fluid filling the air sacs. Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, often caused by a blood clot. Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, which can lead to strain on the heart and affect oxygen levels in the blood.
4. What is the condition where the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, causing pain and difficulty walking?
- A. Peripheral artery disease
- B. Raynaud's disease
- C. Varicose veins
- D. Pulmonary embolism
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is a condition where the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, leading to decreased blood flow, pain, and difficulty walking, especially during physical activity. Raynaud's disease (choice B) is characterized by vasospasms in the fingers and toes, causing them to turn white or blue. Varicose veins (choice C) are enlarged, twisted veins usually found in the legs. Pulmonary embolism (choice D) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, often caused by a blood clot.
5. What is the condition where the blood flow through the coronary arteries is reduced or blocked, leading to chest pain or heart attack?
- A. Coronary artery disease
- B. Atherosclerosis
- C. Pulmonary embolism
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD occurs when the coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle and increasing the risk of chest pain or heart attack. Choice B, Atherosclerosis, is a condition characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the buildup of plaque. Choices C and D, Pulmonary embolism and Pulmonary hypertension, involve issues related to the lungs and not the coronary arteries.
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