ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam
1. What is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thickened without an obvious cause, leading to a reduction in the heart's ability to pump blood?
- A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- B. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Myocarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the abnormal thickening of the heart muscle without an obvious cause, which impairs the heart's ability to effectively pump blood. Dilated cardiomyopathy (choice B) involves the enlargement and weakening of the heart chambers, not thickening. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (choice C) refers to the stiffening of the heart muscle, limiting its ability to fill properly. Myocarditis (choice D) is inflammation of the heart muscle usually caused by a viral infection, not thickening.
2. Which valves close during ventricular systole and open during ventricular diastole?
- A. Semilunar valves
- B. Atrioventricular Valves
- C. Mitral valve
- D. Tricuspid valve
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Atrioventricular Valves. The atrioventricular (AV) valves, including the mitral valve and tricuspid valve, close during ventricular systole to prevent backflow of blood from the ventricles into the atria. They open during ventricular diastole to allow blood flow from the atria into the ventricles. Semilunar valves, choice A, are located at the exits of the ventricles and prevent backflow into the ventricles. The mitral valve and tricuspid valve, choices C and D, are specific types of AV valves.
3. 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.
4. Which chronic respiratory condition is characterized by the narrowing and inflammation of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing?
- A. Asthma
- B. COPD
- C. Bronchitis
- D. Pneumonia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Asthma is the correct answer. It is a chronic respiratory condition where the airways become inflamed and narrowed, leading to episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. Asthma is characterized by reversible airflow obstruction, differentiating it from COPD, which involves irreversible airflow limitation. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes without the same reversible airflow obstruction seen in asthma. Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue and does not involve chronic inflammation and narrowing of the airways like asthma.
5. 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.
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