ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers
1. The client is on hydrochlorothiazide and digoxin. What effect can the nurse expect?
- A. Hydrochlorothiazide increases digoxin levels.
- B. Hydrochlorothiazide decreases digoxin levels.
- C. Hydrochlorothiazide decreases potassium, increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.
- D. Digoxin can increase the effectiveness of hydrochlorothiazide.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that can decrease potassium levels, which in turn can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin typically doesn't impact hydrochlorothiazide levels or effectiveness, making choices A, B, and D incorrect. Choice A stating that hydrochlorothiazide increases digoxin levels is inaccurate. Choice B suggesting that hydrochlorothiazide decreases digoxin levels is also incorrect. Choice D, stating that digoxin can increase the effectiveness of hydrochlorothiazide, is not a typical interaction seen between these medications.
2. What is a condition characterized by an abnormal buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue lining the lungs and chest cavity?
- A. Pleural effusion
- B. Pulmonary edema
- C. Atelectasis
- D. Sarcoidosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pleural effusion is the correct answer as it refers to the accumulation of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura surrounding the lungs and chest cavity. This condition can be caused by various factors such as infections, heart failure, or cancer. Pulmonary edema (choice B) involves fluid accumulation in the lungs' air sacs and is not specific to the pleura. Atelectasis (choice C) is the collapse or closure of a lung leading to airless lung tissue and is not related to fluid buildup. Sarcoidosis (choice D) is a condition characterized by the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells in different parts of the body, not specifically involving fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
3. What type of medication is used to reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent asthma attacks?
- A. Corticosteroid
- B. Bronchodilator
- C. Antihistamine
- D. Mucolytic
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are medications that work by reducing inflammation in the airways, helping to prevent asthma attacks and manage chronic respiratory conditions. Bronchodilators (choice B) work by relaxing the muscles around the airways to make breathing easier, but they do not primarily target inflammation. Antihistamines (choice C) are used to treat allergic reactions and do not directly target airway inflammation. Mucolytics (choice D) help to break down and thin mucus in the airways but do not reduce inflammation.
4. Which type of medication helps to reduce the workload on the heart by slowing down the heart rate?
- A. Beta-blocker
- B. Calcium channel blocker
- C. Diuretic
- D. ACE inhibitor
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Beta-blockers are medications that work by blocking the action of hormones like adrenaline, thereby reducing the heart rate and the workload on the heart. This makes them effective in managing high blood pressure and various heart conditions. Calcium channel blockers work by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the heart's workload, but they do not primarily slow down the heart rate. Diuretics help the body get rid of excess salt and water by increasing urine production, which can lower blood pressure but not by slowing down the heart rate. ACE inhibitors work by relaxing blood vessels, not by directly affecting heart rate.
5. What is a condition where the heart's valves do not function properly, leading to disrupted blood flow within the heart?
- A. Valvular heart disease
- B. Myocarditis
- C. Endocarditis
- D. Aneurysm
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Valvular heart disease is the correct answer. It occurs when the heart's valves malfunction, leading to disrupted blood flow within the heart. Myocarditis refers to inflammation of the heart muscle, not specifically related to valve function. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, not necessarily caused by valve malfunction. Aneurysm is the abnormal bulging of a blood vessel, not directly related to heart valve function.
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