this condition occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs causing shortness of breath chest pain and other symptoms
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Physical Exam Cardiovascular System

1. What is the term for a blood clot blocking an artery in the lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks an artery, causing symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. Choice B, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), involves a blood clot forming in a deep vein, usually in the legs. Choice C, myocardial infarction, refers to a heart attack due to blocked blood flow to the heart muscle. Choice D, pneumothorax, is a collapsed lung due to air leaking into the chest cavity.

2. What is a blood clot that forms in a vein, often in the legs, and can cause serious complications if it travels to the lungs?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs, and can lead to serious complications if it breaks loose and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Varicose veins (choice C) are enlarged, twisted veins usually found in the legs but are not related to blood clots. Atherosclerosis (choice D) is a condition where arteries become narrowed and hardened due to a buildup of plaque, not directly related to blood clots.

3. Which neurotransmitter is released by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to increase heart rate and the force of contraction of the heart?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter released by the sympathetic nervous system that increases heart rate and the force of contraction. Epinephrine, though similar, is more involved in the fight-or-flight response and has a broader range of effects on various organs. Dopamine is not primarily responsible for increasing heart rate and contractility. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that predominantly acts on the parasympathetic nervous system to decrease heart rate and contractility.

4. The nurse is giving digoxin to a client. What is the most important parameter to check before administration?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart rate. Before administering digoxin, it is crucial to check the client's heart rate because digoxin can cause bradycardia, an abnormally slow heart rate. Monitoring the heart rate is essential to prevent potential complications associated with digoxin therapy. Choices B, C, and D are less critical parameters to assess before administering digoxin. While blood pressure is also important to monitor during digoxin therapy, the most crucial parameter to check due to the medication's potential effect on heart rate is the heart rate itself.

5. What is the condition where the lung collapses due to air leaking into the space between the lung and chest wall?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pneumothorax is the correct answer. It is the collapse of a lung due to air leaking into the space between the lung and chest wall. This condition often requires emergency treatment. Choice B, Pleural effusion, is the buildup of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lung, not air. Choice C, Pulmonary fibrosis, is a lung disease characterized by scarring and thickening of lung tissue, not related to lung collapse. Choice D, Lung cancer, is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lung, not directly causing lung collapse.

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