ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam
1. The client on a beta blocker has a blood pressure of 88/58 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. Increase the dose of the beta blocker.
- D. Continue to monitor the client and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when a client on a beta blocker presents with a blood pressure of 88/58 mm Hg is to hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. Beta blockers can further decrease blood pressure, which is already low in this case. Administering the beta blocker as ordered (Choice B) would exacerbate the hypotension. Increasing the dose of the beta blocker (Choice C) would be inappropriate and unsafe given the low blood pressure. Continuing to monitor the client and reassessing in 30 minutes (Choice D) could lead to a delay in necessary intervention. Therefore, the priority is to hold the medication and seek guidance from the healthcare provider.
2. What procedure uses a catheter to open blocked coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart muscle?
- A. Angioplasty
- B. Stent placement
- C. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
- D. Valve replacement
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Angioplasty. Angioplasty is a procedure where a catheter is used to open blocked coronary arteries and may involve the insertion of a stent to improve blood flow to the heart muscle. Stent placement (B) is a related procedure but specifically refers to the insertion of a stent. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) (C) is a surgical procedure that uses blood vessels to bypass blocked coronary arteries. Valve replacement (D) is a different procedure that involves replacing a heart valve, not opening blocked coronary arteries.
3. What is the accumulation of fatty deposits along the walls of arteries, leading to reduced blood flow?
- A. Atherosclerosis
- B. Arteriosclerosis
- C. Aneurysm
- D. Thrombosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Atherosclerosis is the correct answer. It refers to the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) along the inner walls of arteries, narrowing the blood vessels and reducing blood flow. This condition can lead to serious complications such as heart attacks or strokes. Arteriosclerosis (choice B) is a broader term that refers to the thickening and hardening of the arterial walls. While related, it is not as specific as atherosclerosis in describing the fatty deposit accumulation. Aneurysm (choice C) is the abnormal bulging of an artery wall that can rupture and cause internal bleeding, not specifically related to fatty deposits. Thrombosis (choice D) is the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel, which can obstruct blood flow, but it is not directly related to the accumulation of fatty deposits.
4. When monitoring a client on dobutamine, what is the most important parameter to assess?
- A. Blood pressure
- B. Heart rate
- C. Oxygen saturation
- D. Respiratory rate
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure. When a client is on dobutamine, it is crucial to closely monitor their blood pressure as dobutamine can cause significant changes in blood pressure. While heart rate is also important to monitor during this time, blood pressure is the most critical parameter to assess. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate are also important parameters to monitor in a patient receiving dobutamine, but they are not as crucial as blood pressure in this scenario.
5. What condition involves a weakened and bulging aorta, the main artery in the body, potentially leading to rupture?
- A. Aortic aneurysm
- B. Arterial stenosis
- C. Pulmonary embolism
- D. Deep vein thrombosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: An aortic aneurysm is a condition characterized by the weakening and bulging of the aorta, the body's main artery. If left untreated, this bulging may lead to a rupture, causing severe complications. Arterial stenosis refers to the narrowing of an artery, not the weakening and bulging seen in an aortic aneurysm. Pulmonary embolism involves a blockage in the pulmonary artery, which is different from the weakening and bulging in an aortic aneurysm. Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, not related to the condition described in the question.
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