ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. The nurse is preparing to administer a beta blocker to a client with hypertension. What is the priority assessment?
- A. Check the client's heart rate.
- B. Check the client's blood pressure.
- C. Check the client's respiratory rate.
- D. Check the client's temperature.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client's blood pressure. Before administering a beta blocker to a client with hypertension, assessing the blood pressure is crucial because beta blockers can cause hypotension, potentially leading to adverse effects. Checking the heart rate may also be important but is secondary to monitoring the blood pressure in this scenario. Respiratory rate and temperature assessments are not directly related to assessing the client's response to a beta blocker in hypertension management, making choices C and D less relevant.
2. The client on furosemide (Lasix) is complaining of muscle cramps. What electrolyte imbalance should the nurse suspect?
- A. Hyperkalemia
- B. Hyponatremia
- C. Hypocalcemia
- D. Hypokalemia
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Hypokalemia. Muscle cramps are a common symptom of hypokalemia, an electrolyte imbalance characterized by low potassium levels. Furosemide, a loop diuretic like Lasix, can lead to potassium loss in the body, contributing to hypokalemia. Choice A, Hyperkalemia, is incorrect as it refers to high potassium levels. Choice B, Hyponatremia, is incorrect as it pertains to low sodium levels. Choice C, Hypocalcemia, is incorrect as it relates to low calcium levels, not typically associated with muscle cramps in the context of furosemide use.
3. The nurse is administering a calcium channel blocker. What is the primary effect of this medication on the cardiovascular system?
- A. Decreases heart rate
- B. Increases heart rate
- C. Increases blood pressure
- D. Decreases blood pressure
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreases blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers primarily work by relaxing the blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. Choice A, 'Decreases heart rate,' is incorrect because calcium channel blockers do not significantly affect heart rate. Choice B, 'Increases heart rate,' is incorrect as calcium channel blockers do not have a primary effect of increasing heart rate. Choice C, 'Increases blood pressure,' is incorrect as the primary effect of calcium channel blockers is to decrease blood pressure by vasodilation.
4. Which condition involves the body's immune system attacking the lungs and kidneys, causing severe respiratory and renal damage?
- A. Goodpasture syndrome
- B. Sarcoidosis
- C. Wegener's granulomatosis
- D. Interstitial lung disease
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Goodpasture syndrome is the correct answer. It is an autoimmune disease characterized by the immune system attacking the lungs and kidneys, leading to bleeding in the lungs and kidney failure. Sarcoidosis primarily affects the lungs and lymph nodes, not the kidneys. Wegener's granulomatosis affects the lungs, sinuses, and kidneys, but it is characterized by inflammation of blood vessels. Interstitial lung disease involves scarring of the lung tissue, not direct immune system attacks on the lungs and kidneys.
5. What is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body?
- A. Heart failure
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Pulmonary edema
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart failure. Heart failure is a chronic condition characterized by the heart's inability to pump blood effectively, resulting in fluid accumulation in the lungs and other body tissues. Myocardial infarction (choice B) refers to a heart attack caused by a blocked coronary artery, leading to damage of heart muscle tissue. Pericarditis (choice C) is the inflammation of the pericardium, the protective sac around the heart. Pulmonary edema (choice D) is a condition where fluid builds up in the lungs, often as a result of heart failure.
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