this is a chronic condition where the heart muscle is abnormally thickened making it harder for the heart to pump blood
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Cardiovascular System Exam Questions

1. Which chronic condition is characterized by abnormally thickened heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the correct answer. In this condition, the heart muscle becomes abnormally thickened, leading to difficulties in pumping blood efficiently. Dilated cardiomyopathy (choice B) involves the enlargement of the heart chambers, not thickening of the heart muscle. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (choice C) is characterized by stiffening of the heart muscle, impairing its ability to fill properly. Ventricular hypertrophy (choice D) refers to the thickening of the heart's ventricle walls, which can result from various conditions, not solely hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

2. What is the condition where a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, causing shortness of breath, chest pain, and other symptoms?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. This condition is life-threatening and requires prompt treatment. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they refer to different medical conditions: Pneumothorax is a collapsed lung, Pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid around the lungs, and an Aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel.

3. What procedure involves inserting a needle into the pleural space to remove excess fluid and help the patient breathe more easily?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Thoracentesis is the correct answer. It is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the pleural space to remove excess fluid, aiding in easier breathing. Bronchoscopy (Choice B) is a procedure to visualize the airways and diagnose lung problems, not specifically for fluid drainage. Spirometry (Choice C) is a test to measure lung function, not a procedure for fluid removal. Arterial blood gas (ABG) (Choice D) is a blood test to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, not a procedure for draining fluid from the pleural space.

4. What is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, often associated with infections or malignancies?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is the accumulation of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lungs, often caused by infections, cancer, or other diseases. Pneumothorax (choice B) is the presence of air in the pleural space, not fluid. Pulmonary edema (choice C) is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs' air sacs and tissue, not in the pleural space. Atelectasis (choice D) is the collapse or closure of a lung resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange.

5. In cases of myocardial infarction leading to shock, which medication is appropriate to counteract shock?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In cases of myocardial infarction leading to shock, dopamine is the drug of choice. Dopamine helps increase blood pressure and improve blood flow to vital organs, making it beneficial in managing shock. Atropine is mainly used for symptomatic bradycardia, not for shock. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside used in heart failure and atrial fibrillation, not for managing shock. Adenosine is typically used for diagnosing and treating supraventricular tachycardias, not for shock associated with myocardial infarction.

Similar Questions

The client on spironolactone (Aldactone) should avoid which type of food?
What procedure involves using a catheter to create a small scar in the heart tissue to block abnormal electrical signals and restore normal heart rhythm?
What type of therapy delivers high concentrations of oxygen to the lungs?
Which condition involves the heart muscle becoming abnormally thickened, reducing its ability to pump blood?
The client on warfarin has an INR of 1.2. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses