ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. Which of the following is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by the irreversible obstruction of airflow?
- A. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- B. Asthma
- C. Pulmonary edema
- D. Bronchiectasis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a chronic respiratory disease where the airflow in the lungs becomes obstructed, making it difficult to breathe. Choice B, Asthma, is a different chronic respiratory condition characterized by reversible airflow obstruction and airway hyperresponsiveness. Choice C, Pulmonary edema, is a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to difficulty in breathing but not irreversible airflow obstruction. Choice D, Bronchiectasis, is a condition characterized by abnormal widening of the bronchial tubes, leading to recurrent respiratory infections, but it is not specifically defined by irreversible airflow obstruction.
2. What is a condition where the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm?
- A. Arrhythmia
- B. Hypertension
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Bradycardia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Arrhythmia is the correct answer because it refers to an irregular or abnormal heart rhythm, which can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or erratically. Hypertension (choice B) is high blood pressure and not directly related to irregular heart rhythm. Tachycardia (choice C) is a condition where the heart beats too quickly, not necessarily irregularly. Bradycardia (choice D) is a condition where the heart beats too slowly, not necessarily irregularly. Therefore, only arrhythmia (choice A) fits the description provided in the question.
3. Which condition occurs when the heart muscle is damaged due to a lack of oxygen, often resulting from a heart attack?
- A. Myocardial infarction
- B. Angina
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Pulmonary embolism
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, is the condition where the heart muscle is damaged due to a lack of oxygen, typically caused by a blocked coronary artery. Angina (choice B) is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Pericarditis (choice C) is the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. Pulmonary embolism (choice D) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, often caused by a blood clot.
4. What type of medication is used to reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent asthma attacks?
- A. Corticosteroid
- B. Bronchodilator
- C. Antihistamine
- D. Mucolytic
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are medications that work by reducing inflammation in the airways, helping to prevent asthma attacks and manage chronic respiratory conditions. Bronchodilators (choice B) work by relaxing the muscles around the airways to make breathing easier, but they do not primarily target inflammation. Antihistamines (choice C) are used to treat allergic reactions and do not directly target airway inflammation. Mucolytics (choice D) help to break down and thin mucus in the airways but do not reduce inflammation.
5. The client on amiodarone reports shortness of breath. What is the nurse’s best response?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
- B. Reassure the client that this is a common side effect.
- C. Instruct the client to monitor their symptoms at home.
- D. Suggest the client reduce physical activity.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a client on amiodarone reports shortness of breath, it can be indicative of pulmonary toxicity, a severe side effect associated with this medication. The nurse's priority is to notify the healthcare provider immediately to assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action. Choice B is incorrect because shortness of breath with amiodarone should not be dismissed as a common side effect. Instructing the client to monitor symptoms at home (Choice C) may delay necessary intervention. Suggesting the client reduce physical activity (Choice D) does not address the potential serious nature of the symptom and the need for prompt evaluation.
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