ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers
1. Which of the following is a central vasoconstrictor and peripheral vasodilator?
- A. Parasympathetic nervous system
- B. Sympathetic nervous system
- C. Dopamine
- D. Epinephrine
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Epinephrine. Epinephrine acts as a central vasoconstrictor and peripheral vasodilator. It increases heart rate and blood flow to muscles, helping to prepare the body for a 'fight or flight' response. Parasympathetic nervous system (choice A) does not cause vasoconstriction but rather vasodilation. The sympathetic nervous system (choice B) is primarily responsible for the fight or flight response, causing vasoconstriction. Dopamine (choice C) primarily acts as a neurotransmitter and hormone, not directly causing central vasoconstriction and peripheral vasodilation.
2. What is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the small airways in the lungs, leading to episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing?
- A. Asthma
- B. COPD
- C. Bronchitis
- D. Lung cancer
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Asthma is the correct answer. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the small airways in the lungs, leading to symptoms like wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing. Asthma is commonly triggered by allergens, exercise, respiratory infections, and other factors. Choice B, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), is characterized by airflow limitation and is often caused by smoking. Choice C, Bronchitis, is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes and can be acute or chronic. Choice D, Lung cancer, is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in lung tissues and is commonly associated with smoking or environmental factors.
3. The nurse is administering a beta blocker to a client with a heart rate of 58 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Administer the beta blocker as ordered.
- B. Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider.
- C. Increase the dose of the beta blocker.
- D. Monitor the client’s heart rate and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. A heart rate of 58 bpm is considered low, and beta blockers can further decrease the heart rate. Therefore, the nurse's priority action should be to hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider for further assessment. Choice A is incorrect because administering the beta blocker without considering the low heart rate can worsen the condition. Choice C is incorrect as increasing the dose of the beta blocker can lead to further slowing of the heart rate, which is not safe in this situation. Choice D is not the priority action; holding the medication and seeking guidance from the healthcare provider is more crucial.
4. What test evaluates the heart's response to physical stress, often involving exercise on a treadmill while monitoring the heart?
- A. Stress test
- B. Echocardiogram
- C. Holter monitor
- D. CT angiography
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A stress test, also known as an exercise stress test, evaluates the heart's response to physical stress by monitoring its activity during exercise, typically on a treadmill. This test helps assess the heart's performance, detect coronary artery disease, and evaluate the effectiveness of heart treatments. Echocardiogram (choice B) is an ultrasound of the heart that provides detailed images of the heart's structure and function, but it does not involve physical stress like a stress test. Holter monitor (choice C) is a device for continuously monitoring the heart's rhythm and rate over a period (usually 24-48 hours), not during exercise. CT angiography (choice D) is a diagnostic test that uses X-rays to visualize blood vessels but does not involve physical stress like a stress test.
5. 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.
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