ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. 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?
- A. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- B. Pulmonary embolism
- C. Varicose veins
- D. Atherosclerosis
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.
2. The nurse is giving digoxin to a client. What is the most important parameter to check before administration?
- A. Heart rate
- B. Blood pressure
- C. Respiratory rate
- D. Oxygen saturation
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.
3. The client is receiving digoxin and complains of nausea. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Check the client’s digoxin level.
- B. Continue the current dose of digoxin.
- C. Administer an antiemetic for nausea.
- D. Discontinue the digoxin immediately.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client’s digoxin level (Choice A). Nausea can be a sign of digoxin toxicity, so assessing the digoxin level is crucial to determine if the medication dosage needs adjustment. Continuing the current dose of digoxin (Choice B) may worsen the symptoms if toxicity is present. Administering an antiemetic (Choice C) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue of digoxin toxicity. Discontinuing digoxin immediately (Choice D) without assessing the digoxin level can be harmful if the medication is within the therapeutic range.
4. Which disease is characterized by the damage to the alveoli in the lungs, leading to breathlessness?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Pulmonary fibrosis
- C. Lung cancer
- D. Lung abscess
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Emphysema. Emphysema is a lung condition characterized by the damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, which results in breathlessness and reduced lung function. Pulmonary fibrosis (B) is a condition where lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred, leading to stiffness in the lungs. Lung cancer (C) is a malignancy affecting the lungs, which can cause various symptoms depending on the stage. Lung abscess (D) is a localized collection of pus within the lung tissue, typically caused by a bacterial infection.
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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