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Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers
1. The client is given an alpha agonist. What might it be used for?
- A. For hemostasis
- B. To dilate the arteries
- C. To dilate the veins
- D. To decrease afterload
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Alpha agonists are used for hemostasis to help control bleeding by constricting blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow to the area. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as alpha agonists do not typically dilate arteries, dilate veins, or decrease afterload.
2. A client on a beta blocker has a blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the beta blocker as ordered.
- C. Administer a diuretic to reduce blood pressure.
- D. Continue to monitor the client and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. A blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg is already low, and beta blockers can further decrease blood pressure. Administering the beta blocker can potentially worsen the situation, leading to complications. Administering a diuretic or continuing to monitor the client without taking immediate action could delay necessary intervention. Therefore, holding the beta blocker and involving the healthcare provider promptly is crucial in this scenario.
3. The client on amiodarone reports shortness of breath. What is the nurse’s best response?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
- B. Reassure the client that this is a common side effect.
- C. Instruct the client to monitor their symptoms at home.
- D. Suggest the client reduce physical activity.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a client on amiodarone reports shortness of breath, it can be indicative of pulmonary toxicity, a severe side effect associated with this medication. The nurse's priority is to notify the healthcare provider immediately to assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action. Choice B is incorrect because shortness of breath with amiodarone should not be dismissed as a common side effect. Instructing the client to monitor symptoms at home (Choice C) may delay necessary intervention. Suggesting the client reduce physical activity (Choice D) does not address the potential serious nature of the symptom and the need for prompt evaluation.
4. What is the condition where the body's immune system attacks its tissues, causing inflammation and damage?
- A. Autoimmune disease
- B. Infectious disease
- C. Allergic reaction
- D. Degenerative disease
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. This is different from infectious diseases (choice B), which are caused by pathogenic microorganisms, allergic reactions (choice C), which involve an exaggerated response of the immune system to harmless substances, and degenerative diseases (choice D), which are characterized by progressive deterioration of tissue or organs due to various factors.
5. Which condition is characterized by the sudden onset of shortness of breath, often occurring at night and associated with heart failure?
- A. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
- B. Sleep apnea
- C. Orthopnea
- D. Dyspnea
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is the correct answer. It is characterized by the sudden onset of shortness of breath during sleep, often associated with heart failure. Choice B, Sleep apnea, involves pauses in breathing during sleep but is not specifically associated with heart failure. Choice C, Orthopnea, is difficulty breathing that occurs when lying down and is relieved by sitting up, not necessarily associated with heart failure. Choice D, Dyspnea, is a general term for difficulty breathing and does not specifically describe the sudden onset at night associated with heart failure as seen in paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.
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