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?
- A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- B. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Ventricular hypertrophy
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. Which assessment findings should the nurse expect in a child with sickle cell anemia experiencing an acute vaso-occlusive crisis?
- A. Circulatory collapse, hypovolemia
- B. Cardiomegaly, systolic murmur
- C. Hepatomegaly, intrahepatic cholestasis
- D. Painful swelling of joints in hands and feet, tissue engorgement
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell anemia are characterized by painful swelling of the joints in the hands and feet (hand-foot syndrome) and tissue engorgement due to the obstruction of blood flow by sickled cells. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because circulatory collapse, hypovolemia, cardiomegaly, systolic murmur, hepatomegaly, and intrahepatic cholestasis are not typically associated with an acute vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia.
3. A 45-year-old woman has been prescribed conjugated estrogens (Premarin) for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. What should the nurse include in the patient teaching?
- A. Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
- B. Avoid smoking while taking this medication.
- C. Increase the intake of high-calcium foods.
- D. Take the medication at bedtime to prevent insomnia.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Avoid smoking while taking this medication' because patients taking conjugated estrogens should avoid smoking due to the increased risk of cardiovascular events. Increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration is a good practice but not specifically related to conjugated estrogens. Increasing the intake of high-calcium foods may be beneficial for bone health but is not directly related to the medication. Taking the medication at bedtime to prevent insomnia is not a specific teaching point for conjugated estrogens.
4. The client is given an alpha agonist. What might it be used for?
- A. For hemostasis
- B. To dilate the arteries
- C. To dilate the veins
- D. To decrease afterload
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Alpha agonists are used for hemostasis to help control bleeding by constricting blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow to the area. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as alpha agonists do not typically dilate arteries, dilate veins, or decrease afterload.
5. Which of the following statements does NOT apply to a nursing plan of care?
- A. It contains short-term goals
- B. It is developed by the patient's physician
- C. It must be continually evaluated
- D. It contains long-range goals
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. A nursing plan of care is developed by the nursing staff, not the patient's physician. Choice A is correct as nursing plans of care typically include short-term goals to address immediate needs. Choice C is also accurate as nursing plans of care need to be continually evaluated and updated to ensure they are effective. Choice D is incorrect as nursing plans of care can contain long-range goals to provide a roadmap for the patient's overall care and recovery.
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