ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers
1. The nurse is teaching a client about the side effects of beta blockers. What is the most important side effect to monitor?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Tachycardia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The most important side effect to monitor when a client is on beta blockers is hypotension. Beta blockers can cause a significant drop in blood pressure, especially at the initiation of therapy. Monitoring for hypotension is crucial to prevent complications such as dizziness, syncope, or falls. While bradycardia can also occur with beta blockers, hypotension takes precedence due to its immediate impact on perfusion. Hyperkalemia is not a common side effect of beta blockers. Tachycardia is actually a condition that beta blockers aim to treat, so it is not a side effect to monitor.
2. What is the condition where the arteries in the brain become blocked or narrowed, leading to reduced blood flow and a potential stroke?
- A. Cerebral atherosclerosis
- B. Coronary artery disease
- C. Pulmonary embolism
- D. Peripheral artery disease
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Cerebral atherosclerosis is the correct answer. It is a condition where the arteries in the brain become blocked or narrowed due to plaque buildup, leading to reduced blood flow and an increased risk of stroke. Choice B, Coronary artery disease, specifically affects the arteries supplying blood to the heart, not the brain. Choice C, Pulmonary embolism, involves a blockage in the pulmonary artery that affects blood flow to the lungs, not the brain. Choice D, Peripheral artery disease, refers to a condition where blockages occur in arteries outside of the heart and brain, typically affecting the limbs.
3. What is a condition where the heart is unable to relax properly between beats, reducing its ability to fill with blood?
- A. Diastolic heart failure
- B. Systolic heart failure
- C. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- D. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diastolic heart failure. In diastolic heart failure, the heart is unable to relax properly between beats, leading to a reduced ability to fill with blood. This condition primarily affects the heart's filling function rather than its pumping function, which is characteristic of systolic heart failure (choice B). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (choice C) involves the abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, while restrictive cardiomyopathy (choice D) is characterized by the heart muscle becoming stiff and less compliant. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect in the context of a heart condition where relaxation between beats is impaired.
4. What is a surgical procedure to remove one of the lobes of the lungs, often performed to treat lung cancer?
- A. Lobectomy
- B. Pneumonectomy
- C. Thoracotomy
- D. Tracheostomy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A lobectomy is the correct answer. This surgical procedure involves removing one of the lobes of the lungs, commonly done to treat lung cancer or other serious lung ailments. Choice B, pneumonectomy, involves the complete removal of a lung, not just a lobe. Choice C, thoracotomy, is a surgical incision into the chest wall and is not specific to removing a lung lobe. Choice D, tracheostomy, is the creation of an opening in the windpipe to assist with breathing and is unrelated to lung lobe removal.
5. What is a type of medication that helps to prevent blood clots by thinning the blood?
- A. Anticoagulant
- B. Beta-blocker
- C. ACE inhibitor
- D. Calcium channel blocker
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Anticoagulants are medications specifically designed to prevent blood clots by thinning the blood. They work by interfering with the body's blood clotting process. Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers are medications used for different purposes such as managing blood pressure, heart conditions, and regulating heart rhythm, respectively. However, they do not have the primary function of preventing blood clots like anticoagulants.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access