ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. What is a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins, usually in the legs, and can travel to the lungs, causing serious complications?
- A. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- B. Pulmonary embolism
- C. Varicose veins
- D. Peripheral artery disease
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep vein thrombosis occurs when blood clots form in the deep veins, usually in the legs, and these clots can potentially travel to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism (choice B) is a serious complication that can result from untreated DVT. Varicose veins (choice C) and peripheral artery disease (choice D) are not directly related to the formation of blood clots in deep veins that can lead to pulmonary embolism.
2. What is the term for the amount of blood ejected by the left ventricle into the aorta per beat, determined by preload, contractility, and afterload?
- A. Stroke volume
- B. Cardiac output
- C. End-diastolic volume
- D. Ejection fraction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stroke volume. Stroke volume refers to the volume of blood ejected by the left ventricle during each heartbeat. This is determined by preload (the degree of stretch of the cardiac muscle fibers at the end of diastole), contractility (the force of myocardial contraction), and afterload (the pressure or resistance that the ventricle must overcome to eject blood). Choice B, Cardiac output, is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute and is calculated by multiplying the heart rate by the stroke volume. Choice C, End-diastolic volume, is the volume of blood in the ventricle at the end of diastole before contraction. Choice D, Ejection fraction, is the proportion of blood pumped out of the ventricle with each contraction, calculated by dividing the stroke volume by the end-diastolic volume.
3. The client on furosemide is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?
- A. Hypokalemia
- B. Hypernatremia
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Hyponatremia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss, resulting in hypokalemia. This electrolyte imbalance is a significant risk associated with the use of diuretics. Choice B, Hypernatremia, is incorrect as furosemide is not known to cause high sodium levels. Choice C, Hyperkalemia, is also incorrect as furosemide tends to cause potassium depletion rather than excess. Choice D, Hyponatremia, is not directly related to furosemide use.
4. What is a condition where the lungs become stiff and scarred, making it difficult to breathe and get enough oxygen into the bloodstream?
- A. Pulmonary fibrosis
- B. Pulmonary edema
- C. Pulmonary embolism
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition characterized by the stiffening and scarring of the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and impairing the transfer of oxygen into the bloodstream. Pulmonary edema refers to fluid accumulation in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties due to fluid filling the air sacs. Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, often caused by a blood clot. Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, which can lead to strain on the heart and affect oxygen levels in the blood.
5. The nurse is preparing to administer a beta blocker to a client with hypertension. What is the priority assessment?
- A. Check the client's heart rate.
- B. Check the client's blood pressure.
- C. Check the client's respiratory rate.
- D. Check the client's temperature.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client's blood pressure. Before administering a beta blocker to a client with hypertension, assessing the blood pressure is crucial because beta blockers can cause hypotension, potentially leading to adverse effects. Checking the heart rate may also be important but is secondary to monitoring the blood pressure in this scenario. Respiratory rate and temperature assessments are not directly related to assessing the client's response to a beta blocker in hypertension management, making choices C and D less relevant.
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