ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers
1. The client on nitroglycerin complains of a headache. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. Administer acetaminophen as prescribed for the headache.
- B. Hold the next dose of nitroglycerin.
- C. Discontinue the nitroglycerin immediately.
- D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct response is to administer acetaminophen as prescribed for the headache. Headaches are a common side effect of nitroglycerin due to vasodilation. Administering acetaminophen can help relieve the headache. Holding the next dose of nitroglycerin (Choice B) may not address the current headache, and discontinuing nitroglycerin immediately (Choice C) without healthcare provider guidance can be dangerous due to the potential for rebound hypertension. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately (Choice D) is not necessary for a common side effect like a headache, and the nurse can manage this symptom independently.
2. What test uses sound waves to create images of the heart and assess its structure and function?
- A. Echocardiogram
- B. MRI
- C. CT scan
- D. X-ray
Correct answer: A
Rationale: An echocardiogram is the correct answer because it is a test specifically designed to use sound waves to create images of the heart, allowing healthcare providers to assess both its structure and function, as well as to detect any abnormalities. MRI (Choice B), CT scan (Choice C), and X-ray (Choice D) do not primarily use sound waves for imaging the heart; therefore, they are not the most appropriate choices for this scenario.
3. Which valve prevents backflow of blood into the left ventricle from the aorta?
- A. Aortic valve
- B. Mitral valve
- C. Tricuspid valve
- D. Pulmonary valve
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Aortic valve. The aortic valve is positioned between the left ventricle and the aorta. It prevents blood from flowing back into the left ventricle after it has been pumped into the aorta. The mitral valve (Choice B) is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle, the tricuspid valve (Choice C) is between the right atrium and right ventricle, and the pulmonary valve (Choice D) is situated between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. Therefore, they are not responsible for preventing backflow from the aorta into the left ventricle.
4. What is a condition characterized by the presence of air or gas in the pleural space, leading to the collapse of the lung?
- A. Pneumothorax
- B. Pulmonary embolism
- C. Pleural effusion
- D. Atelectasis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Pneumothorax. Pneumothorax occurs when air or gas accumulates in the pleural space, causing the lung to collapse. This condition can result in symptoms such as chest pain and difficulty breathing. Pulmonary embolism (choice B) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by a blood clot. Pleural effusion (choice C) is the accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural space, not air or gas. Atelectasis (choice D) refers to the collapse or closure of a lung resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange.
5. What test measures the pressure inside the arteries as the heart pumps blood?
- A. Blood pressure test
- B. Pulse oximetry
- C. Echocardiogram
- D. Spirometry
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Blood pressure test. A blood pressure test is specifically designed to measure the pressure inside the arteries as the heart pumps blood. This test is crucial in providing information about cardiovascular health by determining the force of blood against the artery walls. Choice B, Pulse oximetry, measures oxygen saturation in the blood, not blood pressure. Choice C, Echocardiogram, is an ultrasound test that evaluates the structure and function of the heart, not specifically blood pressure. Choice D, Spirometry, is a test used to assess lung function, not blood pressure.
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