ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. The healthcare provider is administering IV nitroglycerin to a patient for chest pain. What is the most critical parameter to monitor?
- A. Heart rate
- B. Blood pressure
- C. Oxygen saturation
- D. Respiratory rate
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Blood pressure.' Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure, leading to hypotension. Monitoring the blood pressure is crucial to prevent potential complications such as hypotension-induced dizziness, syncope, or organ hypoperfusion. While heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate are important parameters to monitor in a clinical setting, the immediate concern with IV nitroglycerin administration is the risk of hypotension, making blood pressure the most critical parameter to assess.
2. What is the term for the ability of cardiac cells to respond to a stimulus by initiating a cardiac impulse?
- A. Excitability
- B. Contractility
- C. Rhythmicity
- D. Conductivity
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Excitability. Excitability is the ability of cardiac cells to respond to a stimulus by initiating a cardiac impulse. Choice B, Contractility, refers to the ability of cardiac muscle to shorten forcibly. Choice C, Rhythmicity, refers to the cardiac muscle's ability to contract rhythmically. Choice D, Conductivity, refers to the ability of the heart's cells to conduct electrical impulses.
3. What is a type of pneumonia that is contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets?
- A. Legionnaires' disease
- B. Tuberculosis
- C. Asbestosis
- D. Histoplasmosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Legionnaires' disease. Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. This bacterium thrives in water systems such as air conditioning units, hot tubs, and water fountains. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Asbestosis is caused by asbestos fibers, and Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus found in bird and bat droppings.
4. Which of the following conditions is characterized by inflammation of the heart muscle, often due to a viral infection, leading to impaired heart function?
- A. Myocarditis
- B. Endocarditis
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Cardiomyopathy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Myocarditis. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle, typically caused by a viral infection. It can impair the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently, potentially leading to other complications. Endocarditis (choice B) is an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. Pericarditis (choice C) is inflammation of the pericardium, the outer lining of the heart. Cardiomyopathy (choice D) is a disease of the heart muscle that affects the heart's ability to pump blood.
5. What is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thickened without an obvious cause, leading to a reduction in the heart's ability to pump blood?
- A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- B. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Myocarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the abnormal thickening of the heart muscle without an obvious cause, which impairs the heart's ability to effectively pump blood. Dilated cardiomyopathy (choice B) involves the enlargement and weakening of the heart chambers, not thickening. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (choice C) refers to the stiffening of the heart muscle, limiting its ability to fill properly. Myocarditis (choice D) is inflammation of the heart muscle usually caused by a viral infection, not thickening.
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