ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. What is a condition where the blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked, often referred to as a mini-stroke?
- A. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- B. Stroke
- C. Aneurysm
- D. Myocardial infarction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is the correct answer. A TIA is often referred to as a mini-stroke because it is caused by a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. This blockage resolves on its own, typically within minutes to hours, leading to temporary symptoms similar to a stroke. Option B, 'Stroke,' is incorrect because a stroke involves a more prolonged interruption of blood flow to the brain. Option C, 'Aneurysm,' is incorrect as it is a bulge in a blood vessel that can rupture and cause bleeding, not a temporary blockage of blood flow. Option D, 'Myocardial infarction,' is also incorrect as it refers to a heart attack, not a condition involving the brain's blood flow.
2. What is a severe allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing and shock?
- A. Anaphylaxis
- B. Asthma attack
- C. Bronchospasm
- D. Hypersensitivity
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Anaphylaxis is the correct answer. It is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can lead to difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. An asthma attack is a separate condition characterized by narrowed airways and difficulty breathing, but it is not necessarily related to an allergic reaction like anaphylaxis. Bronchospasm refers to the sudden constriction of muscles in the bronchi, leading to breathing difficulties, and is not specific to allergic reactions. Hypersensitivity is a general term for an exaggerated immune response to a substance, which may or may not manifest as severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis.
3. The nurse is caring for a client on enalapril (Vasotec). What is the most important side effect to monitor?
- A. Cough
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hypotension
- D. Dizziness
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor, and cough is a common side effect associated with this class of medication. Monitoring for cough is crucial as it can indicate the development of a potentially serious condition known as angioedema. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is a possible side effect of ACE inhibitors but is not the most important side effect to monitor. Hypotension (choice C) and dizziness (choice D) are also potential side effects of enalapril; however, cough takes precedence due to its association with angioedema, a severe adverse reaction.
4. Which chronic condition is characterized by abnormally thickened heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently?
- A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- B. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Ventricular hypertrophy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the correct answer. In this condition, the heart muscle becomes abnormally thickened, leading to difficulties in pumping blood efficiently. Dilated cardiomyopathy (choice B) involves the enlargement of the heart chambers, not thickening of the heart muscle. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (choice C) is characterized by stiffening of the heart muscle, impairing its ability to fill properly. Ventricular hypertrophy (choice D) refers to the thickening of the heart's ventricle walls, which can result from various conditions, not solely hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
5. The nurse is teaching a client about side effects of ACE inhibitors. What is the most important side effect to monitor?
- A. Cough
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hypotension
- D. Dizziness
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough. ACE inhibitors commonly cause a persistent dry cough in patients. This side effect is important to monitor because it can indicate the development of angioedema, a serious adverse reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is a potential side effect of ACE inhibitors but is not typically the most important one to monitor. Hypotension (choice C) and dizziness (choice D) are also possible side effects of ACE inhibitors, but they are not as critical to monitor as the development of a persistent cough.
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