ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. The client is being taught about the use of warfarin. What is the most important dietary instruction?
- A. Avoid foods high in vitamin K.
- B. Increase the intake of vitamin K-rich foods.
- C. Avoid foods high in protein.
- D. Increase the intake of foods high in calcium.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid foods high in vitamin K. Warfarin is a medication that works by decreasing the activity of vitamin K in the body to prevent blood clotting. Therefore, consuming foods high in vitamin K like green leafy vegetables can interfere with the medication's effectiveness. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Increasing the intake of vitamin K-rich foods would counteract the effects of warfarin. Avoiding foods high in protein or increasing the intake of foods high in calcium are not specifically related to the use of warfarin.
2. What condition involves the heart's electrical system malfunctioning, causing very fast heartbeats originating from the ventricles?
- A. Ventricular tachycardia
- B. Atrial fibrillation
- C. Supraventricular tachycardia
- D. Bradycardia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Ventricular tachycardia is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the heart's electrical system malfunctioning, leading to very fast heartbeats originating from the ventricles. Ventricular tachycardia can be life-threatening as it may progress to ventricular fibrillation, causing cardiac arrest. Atrial fibrillation (choice B) involves rapid, irregular beating of the atria, not the ventricles. Supraventricular tachycardia (choice C) originates above the ventricles and does not involve ventricular malfunction. Bradycardia (choice D) is the opposite of tachycardia, characterized by an abnormally slow heart rate.
3. What procedure involves using a balloon to open a narrowed or blocked blood vessel, often followed by the placement of a stent?
- A. Angioplasty
- B. Valve replacement
- C. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
- D. Endarterectomy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Angioplasty. Angioplasty is a procedure that uses a balloon to open a narrowed or blocked blood vessel, often followed by the placement of a stent to maintain vessel patency. Choice B, Valve replacement, involves replacing damaged heart valves, not treating narrowed blood vessels. Choice C, Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), is a procedure to bypass blocked coronary arteries, not directly open them using a balloon. Choice D, Endarterectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove plaque from the inner lining of an artery, not involving the use of a balloon and stent to open a vessel.
4. 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.
5. What is the buildup of plaque in the arteries that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases?
- A. Atherosclerosis
- B. Arteriosclerosis
- C. Hypertension
- D. Diabetes
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Atherosclerosis is the correct answer. It is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to the narrowing of blood vessels, reduced blood flow, and an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. Arteriosclerosis (choice B) refers to the hardening and thickening of arterial walls, while hypertension (choice C) is high blood pressure, and diabetes (choice D) is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect in the context of the question.
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