ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. 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.
2. The client is prescribed warfarin. What should the client be taught about this medication?
- A. Avoid foods high in vitamin K.
- B. Take the medication with food to prevent stomach upset.
- C. Take the medication at the same time every day.
- D. Increase the dose if a dose is missed.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid foods high in vitamin K. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication, and vitamin K can counteract its effects. Therefore, it is important for clients taking warfarin to avoid foods high in vitamin K to maintain the medication's effectiveness. Choice B is incorrect because warfarin should be taken consistently as prescribed, regardless of food intake. Choice C is incorrect because while consistency in timing is important, it is not specific to the effectiveness of warfarin. Choice D is incorrect because clients should never increase the dose of warfarin on their own, especially to make up for a missed dose, as it can lead to serious bleeding risks.
3. What term describes a condition where a person experiences difficulty breathing when lying flat and requires multiple pillows to sleep comfortably?
- A. Orthopnea
- B. Dyspnea
- C. Tachypnea
- D. Bradypnea
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Orthopnea. Orthopnea is a condition where a person finds it hard to breathe while lying flat and needs to use multiple pillows to sleep comfortably. This position helps relieve the discomfort by allowing better lung expansion. Choice B, Dyspnea, refers to difficulty breathing in general, not specifically related to lying flat. Choice C, Tachypnea, is rapid breathing and is not directly related to difficulty breathing while lying down. Choice D, Bradypnea, is slow breathing and does not describe the condition of having trouble breathing when lying flat.
4. The nurse is caring for a client on amiodarone who develops a cough. What is the most appropriate action?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
- B. Reassure the client that this is a common side effect.
- C. Continue the amiodarone and monitor the client’s symptoms.
- D. Discontinue the amiodarone immediately.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action when a client on amiodarone develops a cough, which can be a sign of pulmonary toxicity, a serious side effect of amiodarone, is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. This is crucial because pulmonary toxicity can lead to severe complications if not addressed promptly. Choices B and C are incorrect as they do not address the potential severity of the situation and may delay necessary intervention. Choice D of discontinuing amiodarone immediately without consulting the healthcare provider can be risky, as sudden discontinuation of the medication may have adverse effects on the client's condition.
5. Which valve prevents backflow of blood into the right ventricle from the pulmonary artery?
- A. Pulmonary valve
- B. Aortic valve
- C. Tricuspid valve
- D. Mitral valve
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the Pulmonary valve. The Pulmonary valve prevents backflow of blood into the right ventricle from the pulmonary artery after it has been ejected. The Aortic valve (choice B) prevents backflow from the aorta into the left ventricle. The Tricuspid valve (choice C) prevents backflow of blood into the right atrium from the right ventricle. The Mitral valve (choice D) prevents backflow from the left ventricle into the left atrium.
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