ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam
1. What structure separates the left and right sides of the heart?
- A. Interventricular septum
- B. Endocardium
- C. Epicardium
- D. Pericardium
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The interventricular septum is the correct answer as it is the wall that separates the left and right sides of the heart, ensuring the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood do not mix. The endocardium is the inner lining of the heart chambers, the epicardium is the outermost layer of the heart wall, and the pericardium is the sac that surrounds the heart, providing protection and anchoring the heart in place. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect in the context of separating the left and right sides of the heart.
2. The client is on nitroglycerin and reports chest pain. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Administer nitroglycerin as ordered.
- B. Administer morphine as ordered.
- C. Administer aspirin as ordered.
- D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Notify the healthcare provider immediately. If a client on nitroglycerin reports chest pain, the priority action is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. This is crucial to ensure prompt reassessment of the client's condition and treatment plan. Administering nitroglycerin, morphine, or aspirin without consulting the healthcare provider first can be risky as the chest pain may indicate a need for a change in treatment or further evaluation. Administering medications without proper assessment and guidance can lead to complications and is not recommended in this scenario.
3. Which surgical procedure involves removing a portion of the lung?
- A. Lobectomy
- B. Pneumonectomy
- C. Tracheostomy
- D. Bronchoscopy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A lobectomy is the surgical removal of a lobe of the lung. This procedure is commonly performed to treat conditions like lung cancer or severe lung diseases. Pneumonectomy involves removing an entire lung, making it incorrect. Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure to create an opening in the windpipe, not involving lung tissue removal. Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows visualization of the airways using a thin, flexible tube with a camera, not involving lung tissue removal.
4. What type of heart disease is characterized by the heart muscle becoming enlarged and weakened, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively?
- A. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- B. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Myocarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dilated cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a type of heart disease where the heart muscle becomes enlarged and weakened, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively, which can lead to heart failure. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (B) is characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, not enlargement. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (C) involves the heart muscle becoming stiff and less flexible, limiting its ability to fill with blood properly. Myocarditis (D) is inflammation of the heart muscle, which can affect the heart's function but is different from dilated cardiomyopathy.
5. What is a chronic lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema?
- A. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- B. Pneumonia
- C. Asthma
- D. Tuberculosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a chronic lung condition that encompasses chronic bronchitis and emphysema, causing airflow obstruction from the lungs. Pneumonia (choice B) is an infection in the lungs, while asthma (choice C) is characterized by airway inflammation and constriction. Tuberculosis (choice D) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but is distinct from COPD.
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