ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam
1. This term refers to a change in the inotropic state of the muscle without a change in myocardial fiber length.
- A. Contractility
- B. Excitability
- C. Refractoriness
- D. Automaticity
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Contractility. Contractility specifically refers to the change in the force of contraction of the heart muscle without changing its length. In this scenario, the focus is on the change in the inotropic state of the muscle, which directly relates to contractility. Choice B, Excitability, refers to the ability of a cell to respond to a stimulus, not specifically related to changes in contractile force. Choice C, Refractoriness, pertains to the period during which a cell is unresponsive to a new stimulus. Choice D, Automaticity, refers to the ability of cardiac cells to spontaneously generate electrical impulses.
2. Which term refers to high blood pressure, a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Hypotension
- C. Hyperlipidemia
- D. Diabetes
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Hypertension. Hypertension is a condition characterized by persistently high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Choice B, Hypotension, refers to low blood pressure. Choice C, Hyperlipidemia, is the term for high levels of fats in the blood. Choice D, Diabetes, is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels.
3. What type of medication is used to reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent asthma attacks?
- A. Corticosteroid
- B. Bronchodilator
- C. Antihistamine
- D. Mucolytic
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are medications that work by reducing inflammation in the airways, helping to prevent asthma attacks and manage chronic respiratory conditions. Bronchodilators (choice B) work by relaxing the muscles around the airways to make breathing easier, but they do not primarily target inflammation. Antihistamines (choice C) are used to treat allergic reactions and do not directly target airway inflammation. Mucolytics (choice D) help to break down and thin mucus in the airways but do not reduce inflammation.
4. Which condition is characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle?
- A. Angina
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Arrhythmia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Angina. Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often due to coronary artery disease. Choice B, Myocardial infarction, involves the death of heart muscle tissue due to a lack of blood supply, presenting with symptoms similar to angina but more severe. Pericarditis (Choice C) is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, which may cause chest pain but is not primarily due to reduced blood flow. Arrhythmia (Choice D) refers to abnormal heart rhythms but is not directly related to chest pain due to reduced blood flow.
5. The client is on furosemide (Lasix) and has a potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Administer potassium supplements.
- B. Hold the furosemide and notify the healthcare provider.
- C. Continue the current dose of furosemide.
- D. Decrease the dose of furosemide.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer potassium supplements. A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss. Therefore, the priority action is to administer potassium supplements to correct the imbalance. Option B is incorrect because holding the furosemide without addressing the low potassium level could further worsen the imbalance. Option C is incorrect as continuing the current dose of furosemide without addressing the low potassium level could lead to complications. Option D is incorrect because decreasing the dose of furosemide does not directly address the low potassium level that needs immediate correction.
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