ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam
1. Which valves close during ventricular systole and open during ventricular diastole?
- A. Semilunar valves
- B. Atrioventricular Valves
- C. Mitral valve
- D. Tricuspid valve
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Atrioventricular Valves. The atrioventricular (AV) valves, including the mitral valve and tricuspid valve, close during ventricular systole to prevent backflow of blood from the ventricles into the atria. They open during ventricular diastole to allow blood flow from the atria into the ventricles. Semilunar valves, choice A, are located at the exits of the ventricles and prevent backflow into the ventricles. The mitral valve and tricuspid valve, choices C and D, are specific types of AV valves.
2. The client on amiodarone reports shortness of breath. What is the nurse’s best response?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
- B. Reassure the client that this is a common side effect.
- C. Instruct the client to monitor their symptoms at home.
- D. Suggest the client reduce physical activity.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a client on amiodarone reports shortness of breath, it can be indicative of pulmonary toxicity, a severe side effect associated with this medication. The nurse's priority is to notify the healthcare provider immediately to assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action. Choice B is incorrect because shortness of breath with amiodarone should not be dismissed as a common side effect. Instructing the client to monitor symptoms at home (Choice C) may delay necessary intervention. Suggesting the client reduce physical activity (Choice D) does not address the potential serious nature of the symptom and the need for prompt evaluation.
3. What structure separates the left and right sides of the heart?
- A. Interventricular septum
- B. Endocardium
- C. Epicardium
- D. Pericardium
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The interventricular septum is the correct answer as it is the wall that separates the left and right sides of the heart, ensuring the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood do not mix. The endocardium is the inner lining of the heart chambers, the epicardium is the outermost layer of the heart wall, and the pericardium is the sac that surrounds the heart, providing protection and anchoring the heart in place. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect in the context of separating the left and right sides of the heart.
4. The client is on enoxaparin (Lovenox) for DVT prophylaxis. What is the most important lab value to monitor?
- A. Platelet count
- B. PT/INR
- C. aPTT
- D. Hemoglobin
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count. When a client is on enoxaparin (Lovenox), monitoring the platelet count is crucial as enoxaparin can lead to a rare but serious side effect known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), causing a decrease in platelet count. Monitoring the platelet count helps detect this adverse reaction early. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because enoxaparin therapy does not directly affect PT/INR, aPTT, or hemoglobin levels.
5. What is a condition where the blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked, often referred to as a mini-stroke?
- A. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- B. Stroke
- C. Aneurysm
- D. Myocardial infarction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is the correct answer. A TIA is often referred to as a mini-stroke because it is caused by a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. This blockage resolves on its own, typically within minutes to hours, leading to temporary symptoms similar to a stroke. Option B, 'Stroke,' is incorrect because a stroke involves a more prolonged interruption of blood flow to the brain. Option C, 'Aneurysm,' is incorrect as it is a bulge in a blood vessel that can rupture and cause bleeding, not a temporary blockage of blood flow. Option D, 'Myocardial infarction,' is also incorrect as it refers to a heart attack, not a condition involving the brain's blood flow.
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