these fibers distribute the electrical impulse to the ventricles causing them to contract
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Cardiovascular System Exam

1. Which fibers distribute the electrical impulse to the ventricles, causing them to contract?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Purkinje fibers. Purkinje fibers are specialized conducting fibers that distribute the electrical impulse to the ventricles, leading to their contraction. The SA node (sinoatrial node) is responsible for initiating the electrical impulse in the heart, the AV node (atrioventricular node) delays the impulse to allow for proper atrial contraction before ventricular contraction, and the Bundle of His transmits the impulse from the AV node to the ventricles. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are not the correct options for fibers directly distributing the impulse to the ventricles.

2. What are the pressure-sensitive structures located in the aortic and carotid bodies called?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Baroreceptors are the correct answer. Baroreceptors are specialized sensory receptors that detect changes in pressure within blood vessels. They are primarily located in the aortic arch and carotid sinuses, where they play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. Chemoreceptors (Choice B) are receptors that detect chemical changes, not pressure changes. Nociceptors (Choice C) are responsible for detecting painful stimuli. Mechanoreceptors (Choice D) respond to mechanical stimuli such as touch, pressure, and vibration, but they are not specifically located in the aortic and carotid bodies.

3. What is a condition where the walls of the arteries become thickened and stiff, often due to the buildup of plaque, leading to reduced blood flow?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Atherosclerosis is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the thickening and stiffening of artery walls due to plaque buildup, which restricts blood flow. Angina (choice B) is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Hypertension (choice C) is high blood pressure, not directly related to arterial wall thickening. Arrhythmia (choice D) refers to irregular heart rhythms and is not specifically linked to artery wall changes like atherosclerosis.

4. What is a condition where the right side of the heart fails due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, often caused by chronic lung disease?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cor pulmonale is the correct answer. It is a condition where the right side of the heart fails due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, often caused by chronic lung disease such as COPD. Pulmonary embolism (choice C) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs. Myocarditis (choice D) is inflammation of the heart muscle. While heart failure (choice B) is a broad term that can involve the failure of either the right or left side of the heart.

5. The healthcare provider is monitoring a client receiving lidocaine IV. What side effect is the healthcare provider most concerned about?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Seizures are the most concerning side effect of lidocaine IV administration due to its potential to indicate lidocaine toxicity, which can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular collapse. Headache, nausea, and tremors are not typically associated with lidocaine IV and are less concerning compared to seizures in this context.

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