ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. What is a chronic condition where the heart muscle becomes weakened and enlarged, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively?
- A. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- B. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- C. Myocarditis
- D. Pericarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle, leading to its reduced ability to pump blood effectively. This condition is different from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which involves abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis, which is inflammation of the pericardium. Therefore, the correct answer is Dilated cardiomyopathy.
2. What is a severe allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing and shock?
- A. Anaphylaxis
- B. Asthma attack
- C. Bronchospasm
- D. Hypersensitivity
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Anaphylaxis is the correct answer. It is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can lead to difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. An asthma attack is a separate condition characterized by narrowed airways and difficulty breathing, but it is not necessarily related to an allergic reaction like anaphylaxis. Bronchospasm refers to the sudden constriction of muscles in the bronchi, leading to breathing difficulties, and is not specific to allergic reactions. Hypersensitivity is a general term for an exaggerated immune response to a substance, which may or may not manifest as severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis.
3. What condition is characterized by narrowed or blocked arteries in the legs or arms, leading to pain and mobility issues?
- A. Peripheral artery disease
- B. Atherosclerosis
- C. Raynaud's disease
- D. Varicose veins
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is a condition where the arteries in the legs or arms become narrowed or blocked, leading to pain and mobility issues. Choice B, Atherosclerosis, refers to the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls, not specifically the narrowing or blockage in the extremities. Choice C, Raynaud's disease, is characterized by reduced blood flow to the extremities, leading to coldness, numbness, and color changes in the skin, but it is not primarily about narrowed or blocked arteries. Choice D, Varicose veins, involves enlarged, twisted veins usually in the legs, but it is not related to narrowed or blocked arteries causing pain and mobility issues.
4. What is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged or diseased heart valve with a prosthetic valve?
- A. Valve replacement
- B. Angioplasty
- C. Stent placement
- D. Bypass surgery
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Valve replacement is the correct answer because it involves replacing a damaged or diseased heart valve with a prosthetic valve. This procedure is essential for improving blood flow and heart function. Angioplasty (choice B) is a procedure to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries. Stent placement (choice C) involves inserting a mesh tube to help support weak arteries. Bypass surgery (choice D) is a procedure to create new routes for blood flow when arteries are blocked.
5. The client is on a nitrate for angina. What is the most common side effect the nurse should monitor for?
- A. Headache
- B. Flushing
- C. Dizziness
- D. Nausea
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Headache. Nitrates commonly cause headaches as a side effect due to vasodilation. Flushing, dizziness, and nausea are less common side effects associated with nitrates. Flushing is more related to the dilation of blood vessels closer to the skin's surface, dizziness could occur but is not as common as headaches, and nausea is a less typical side effect of nitrates.
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