ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam
1. What is the buildup of plaque in the arteries that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases?
- A. Atherosclerosis
- B. Arteriosclerosis
- C. Hypertension
- D. Diabetes
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Atherosclerosis is the correct answer. It is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to the narrowing of blood vessels, reduced blood flow, and an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. Arteriosclerosis (choice B) refers to the hardening and thickening of arterial walls, while hypertension (choice C) is high blood pressure, and diabetes (choice D) is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect in the context of the question.
2. When administering furosemide (Lasix) to a client, which lab value is most important to monitor?
- A. Potassium
- B. Sodium
- C. Calcium
- D. Chloride
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When administering furosemide (Lasix), it is crucial to monitor potassium levels closely. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss, potentially causing hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels helps prevent adverse effects associated with low potassium, such as cardiac arrhythmias. While monitoring sodium, calcium, and chloride levels may also be important in certain situations, potassium is the most critical to monitor when administering furosemide.
3. What test uses sound waves to create images of the heart and assess its structure and function?
- A. Echocardiogram
- B. MRI
- C. CT scan
- D. X-ray
Correct answer: A
Rationale: An echocardiogram is the correct answer because it is a test specifically designed to use sound waves to create images of the heart, allowing healthcare providers to assess both its structure and function, as well as to detect any abnormalities. MRI (Choice B), CT scan (Choice C), and X-ray (Choice D) do not primarily use sound waves for imaging the heart; therefore, they are not the most appropriate choices for this scenario.
4. Where is the impulse from the SA node delayed, enabling atrial contraction to complete before the ventricles are stimulated and contract?
- A. AV node
- B. Bundle of His
- C. SA node
- D. Aorta
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is AV node. The AV node is responsible for delaying the impulse from the SA node, allowing the atria to contract before the ventricles. This delay ensures the effective pumping of blood in a coordinated manner. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the Bundle of His is responsible for transmitting the impulse to the Purkinje fibers, the SA node is the pacemaker of the heart responsible for initiating the heartbeat, and the aorta is the main artery carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the body, respectively, none of which are involved in delaying the impulse to allow atrial contraction before ventricular contraction.
5. Which term refers to a condition where the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is blocked, often referred to as a heart attack?
- A. Myocardial infarction
- B. Arrhythmia
- C. Stroke
- D. Aneurysm
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, myocardial infarction. A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is blocked, often by a blood clot. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat, stroke involves the interruption of blood flow to the brain, and an aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel.
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