ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. Which of the following is a central vasodilator and peripheral vasoconstrictor?
- A. Sympathetic nervous system
- B. Parasympathetic nervous system
- C. Norepinephrine
- D. Acetylcholine
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the Sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is a branch of the autonomic nervous system that is responsible for the fight-or-flight response. It causes vasodilation in central vessels to increase blood flow to vital organs during stress or exercise, while inducing vasoconstriction in peripheral vessels to redirect blood to essential areas. Norepinephrine and acetylcholine are neurotransmitters associated with the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, respectively, but they are not themselves central vasodilators and peripheral vasoconstrictors.
2. The nurse is administering enoxaparin (Lovenox) to a client. What is the most important lab value to monitor?
- A. Platelet count
- B. Hemoglobin
- C. White blood cell count
- D. aPTT
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count. When administering enoxaparin, it is crucial to monitor the platelet count because enoxaparin can lead to a rare but serious side effect known as thrombocytopenia, which is a decrease in platelet levels. Monitoring the platelet count helps in detecting this adverse effect early. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hemoglobin, white blood cell count, and aPTT are not the most important lab values to monitor specifically for enoxaparin administration.
3. Which type of lung cancer is strongly associated with exposure to asbestos?
- A. Mesothelioma
- B. Adenocarcinoma
- C. Squamous cell carcinoma
- D. Small cell lung cancer
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Mesothelioma. This type of lung cancer is indeed strongly associated with exposure to asbestos, affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen. Adenocarcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, and Small cell lung cancer are not primarily linked to asbestos exposure, making them incorrect choices for this question.
4. What is a surgical procedure to create an opening in the windpipe to assist with breathing?
- A. Tracheostomy
- B. Lobectomy
- C. Thoracotomy
- D. Pleurodesis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Tracheostomy is the correct answer. It is a surgical procedure to create an opening in the windpipe (trachea) to assist with breathing. This procedure is commonly used for patients who require long-term ventilation support. Choice B, Lobectomy, involves the removal of a lobe of the lung and is not related to creating an opening in the windpipe. Choice C, Thoracotomy, is a surgical incision into the chest wall and is not specifically related to creating an opening in the windpipe. Choice D, Pleurodesis, is a procedure to treat recurrent pleural effusions by causing the pleural layers to stick together, and it is not related to creating an opening in the windpipe.
5. The nurse is administering a calcium channel blocker. What is the primary effect of this medication on the cardiovascular system?
- A. Decreases heart rate
- B. Increases heart rate
- C. Increases blood pressure
- D. Decreases blood pressure
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreases blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers primarily work by relaxing the blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. Choice A, 'Decreases heart rate,' is incorrect because calcium channel blockers do not significantly affect heart rate. Choice B, 'Increases heart rate,' is incorrect as calcium channel blockers do not have a primary effect of increasing heart rate. Choice C, 'Increases blood pressure,' is incorrect as the primary effect of calcium channel blockers is to decrease blood pressure by vasodilation.
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