ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. The client asks about side effects of taking digoxin. How does the nurse respond?
- A. Anorexia can be a side effect of digoxin.
- B. Tachycardia can be a side effect of digoxin.
- C. Constipation can be a side effect of digoxin.
- D. Urinary retention can be a side effect of digoxin.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Anorexia can be a side effect of digoxin.' Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are commonly known side effects of digoxin. Choice B, 'Tachycardia can be a side effect of digoxin,' is incorrect as digoxin is used to treat tachycardia, not cause it. Choice C, 'Constipation can be a side effect of digoxin,' is incorrect as constipation is not a typical side effect of digoxin. Choice D, 'Urinary retention can be a side effect of digoxin,' is also incorrect as urinary retention is not a common side effect associated with digoxin use.
2. Which type of lung cancer begins in the cells lining the bronchi and bronchioles?
- A. Adenocarcinoma
- B. Small cell lung cancer
- C. Squamous cell carcinoma
- D. Mesothelioma
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Adenocarcinoma is the correct answer because it is a type of lung cancer that originates in the cells lining the bronchi and bronchioles. Adenocarcinoma is one of the most common types of lung cancer, often found in non-smokers and more frequently in women. Small cell lung cancer (Choice B) typically starts in the bronchi, but it is characterized by its rapid growth and tendency to spread quickly. Squamous cell carcinoma (Choice C) usually begins in the squamous cells lining the bronchi and is strongly associated with smoking. Mesothelioma (Choice D) is a cancer that affects the lining of certain organs like the lungs, often caused by asbestos exposure, but it does not specifically start in the cells lining the bronchi and bronchioles.
3. What procedure is used to remove fluid from the pleural space to help a patient breathe more easily?
- A. Thoracentesis
- B. Bronchoscopy
- C. Echocardiogram
- D. CT scan
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Thoracentesis is the correct answer. It is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the pleural space to drain fluid, relieving pressure and helping the patient breathe more easily. Bronchoscopy (choice B) is a procedure used to examine the airways, not to drain fluid. An echocardiogram (choice C) is an imaging test to assess the heart's structure and function, not related to draining pleural fluid. A CT scan (choice D) is a cross-sectional imaging test that provides detailed pictures of the inside of the body, not used for draining pleural fluid.
4. The nurse is caring for a client on heparin. What is the most important lab value to monitor?
- A. aPTT
- B. INR
- C. Platelet count
- D. Hemoglobin
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: aPTT. When a client is on heparin therapy, monitoring the aPTT is crucial. The aPTT helps assess the effectiveness of heparin in preventing blood clots and guides dose adjustments as needed. INR (Choice B) is more commonly used to monitor warfarin therapy. Platelet count (Choice C) is important to assess for potential bleeding disorders or thrombocytopenia but is not the primary lab value to monitor for heparin therapy. Hemoglobin (Choice D) is essential for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity but is not the most important lab value to monitor when a client is on heparin.
5. What is a condition where the alveoli are gradually destroyed, leading to shortness of breath and reduced oxygen exchange?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Pulmonary fibrosis
- C. Pulmonary edema
- D. Lung cancer
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Emphysema. Emphysema is a chronic lung condition where the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs are damaged, reducing the surface area available for gas exchange. This destruction leads to symptoms like shortness of breath and reduced oxygen exchange. Choice B, pulmonary fibrosis, involves scarring and thickening of the lung tissue, not destruction of alveoli. Choice C, pulmonary edema, is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, not destruction of alveoli. Choice D, lung cancer, is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs, not destruction of alveoli.
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