ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. Which of the following is a central vasodilator and peripheral vasoconstrictor?
- A. Sympathetic nervous system
- B. Parasympathetic nervous system
- C. Norepinephrine
- D. Acetylcholine
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the Sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is a branch of the autonomic nervous system that is responsible for the fight-or-flight response. It causes vasodilation in central vessels to increase blood flow to vital organs during stress or exercise, while inducing vasoconstriction in peripheral vessels to redirect blood to essential areas. Norepinephrine and acetylcholine are neurotransmitters associated with the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, respectively, but they are not themselves central vasodilators and peripheral vasoconstrictors.
2. What type of heart disease is characterized by the heart muscle becoming enlarged and weakened, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively?
- A. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- B. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Myocarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dilated cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a type of heart disease where the heart muscle becomes enlarged and weakened, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively, which can lead to heart failure. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (B) is characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, not enlargement. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (C) involves the heart muscle becoming stiff and less flexible, limiting its ability to fill with blood properly. Myocarditis (D) is inflammation of the heart muscle, which can affect the heart's function but is different from dilated cardiomyopathy.
3. The client is being taught about the use of warfarin. What is the most important dietary instruction?
- A. Avoid foods high in vitamin K.
- B. Increase the intake of vitamin K-rich foods.
- C. Avoid foods high in protein.
- D. Increase the intake of foods high in calcium.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid foods high in vitamin K. Warfarin is a medication that works by decreasing the activity of vitamin K in the body to prevent blood clotting. Therefore, consuming foods high in vitamin K like green leafy vegetables can interfere with the medication's effectiveness. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Increasing the intake of vitamin K-rich foods would counteract the effects of warfarin. Avoiding foods high in protein or increasing the intake of foods high in calcium are not specifically related to the use of warfarin.
4. What is a chronic condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Hypotension
- C. Hyperlipidemia
- D. Hyperglycemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic condition characterized by persistently elevated pressure in the arteries. This condition increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health issues. Hypotension (choice B) refers to low blood pressure and is not the correct answer. Hyperlipidemia (choice C) is high levels of fats in the blood, not related to blood pressure. Hyperglycemia (choice D) is high blood sugar levels, not directly related to elevated blood pressure.
5. The client is on amiodarone and reports blurred vision. What is the nurse’s best response?
- A. Reassure the client that this is a common side effect.
- B. Instruct the client to report this symptom to the healthcare provider immediately.
- C. Advise the client to stop taking the medication.
- D. Discontinue the amiodarone immediately.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Blurred vision is a potential side effect of amiodarone. Instructing the client to report this symptom to the healthcare provider immediately is the most appropriate response. Choice A is incorrect because although blurred vision can be a common side effect of amiodarone, it should not be dismissed without further evaluation. Choice C is incorrect as advising the client to stop taking the medication without consulting the healthcare provider can be dangerous and is not the first course of action. Choice D is too drastic as discontinuing the medication should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider after proper evaluation.
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