ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam
1. Which of the following is a chronic lung disease that includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, characterized by obstructed airflow from the lungs?
- A. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- B. Pulmonary fibrosis
- C. Asthma
- D. Pneumonia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a chronic lung disease that encompasses conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These conditions lead to obstructed airflow from the lungs, causing symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Choice B, Pulmonary fibrosis, involves scarring of the lung tissue, leading to breathing difficulties but is not specifically characterized by obstructed airflow like COPD. Asthma (Choice C) is a chronic condition characterized by airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction, not always resulting in obstructed airflow. Pneumonia (Choice D) is an acute infection of the lung tissue, causing symptoms like fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, but is not a chronic condition like COPD.
2. Which of the following is a chronic lung disease that results in the gradual destruction of the alveoli, causing difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen exchange?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Pulmonary hypertension
- D. Sarcoidosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Emphysema is the correct answer as it is a chronic lung disease characterized by the gradual destruction of the alveoli, which are essential for oxygen exchange. This destruction leads to difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen levels in the blood. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not specifically involving alveoli destruction. Pulmonary hypertension is a condition of high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, not directly related to alveoli destruction. Sarcoidosis is a disease characterized by the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells in different parts of the body, including the lungs, but it does not primarily involve the destruction of alveoli.
3. Which type of medication helps to reduce the workload on the heart by slowing down the heart rate?
- A. Beta-blocker
- B. Calcium channel blocker
- C. Diuretic
- D. ACE inhibitor
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Beta-blockers are medications that work by blocking the action of hormones like adrenaline, thereby reducing the heart rate and the workload on the heart. This makes them effective in managing high blood pressure and various heart conditions. Calcium channel blockers work by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the heart's workload, but they do not primarily slow down the heart rate. Diuretics help the body get rid of excess salt and water by increasing urine production, which can lower blood pressure but not by slowing down the heart rate. ACE inhibitors work by relaxing blood vessels, not by directly affecting heart rate.
4. Which test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions?
- A. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- B. Chest X-ray
- C. MRI
- D. CT scan
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An electrocardiogram is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions by recording the heart's electrical impulses. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a chest X-ray is used to visualize the structures in the chest, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is used to provide detailed images of organs and tissues, and a CT scan (Computed Tomography) is a type of imaging that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
5. The client on spironolactone (Aldactone) has a potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer potassium supplements.
- C. Continue the spironolactone as ordered.
- D. Increase the dose of spironolactone.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider. A potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L is high, indicating hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can further elevate potassium levels. Therefore, the priority action is to withhold the medication to prevent exacerbating hyperkalemia and notify the healthcare provider for further management. Option B is incorrect because administering potassium supplements would worsen the hyperkalemia. Option C is incorrect as continuing spironolactone can lead to a further increase in potassium levels. Option D is incorrect as increasing the dose of spironolactone would be inappropriate in the presence of elevated potassium levels.
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