this is a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is consistently too high increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Cardiovascular System Practice Exam

1. What is a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is consistently too high, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. This increased pressure can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease and stroke. Hypotension (choice B) refers to low blood pressure, which is not the correct term in this context. Diabetes (choice C) and hyperlipidemia (choice D) are also serious conditions but are not specifically characterized by consistently high blood pressure.

2. The nurse is administering digoxin to a client with a heart rate of 45 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 45 bpm is already low, and digoxin can further decrease the heart rate, leading to serious complications like bradycardia or heart block. Administering the medication can exacerbate the bradycardia, hence it should be withheld. Increasing the dose of digoxin is contraindicated due to the client's low heart rate. Monitoring the heart rate alone without taking immediate action to withhold the medication is not the priority when faced with the risk of further lowering the heart rate.

3. What is a chronic lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a chronic lung condition that encompasses chronic bronchitis and emphysema, causing airflow obstruction from the lungs. Pneumonia (choice B) is an infection in the lungs, while asthma (choice C) is characterized by airway inflammation and constriction. Tuberculosis (choice D) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but is distinct from COPD.

4. The client on amiodarone develops symptoms of hypothyroidism. What is the nurse’s best response?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client on amiodarone develops symptoms of hypothyroidism, the nurse's best response is to monitor the client's thyroid function tests regularly. Amiodarone can affect thyroid function, so monitoring is essential to assess the impact and adjust treatment if necessary. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately (Choice A) may be necessary in some cases but the priority is to monitor first. Reassuring the client (Choice B) is not sufficient as monitoring is crucial. Discontinuing amiodarone (Choice D) abruptly without healthcare provider guidance can lead to serious consequences.

5. A client on an ACE inhibitor reports a persistent cough. What is the nurse’s best response?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A persistent cough in a client on an ACE inhibitor may indicate a serious side effect that requires discontinuation of the medication. Instructing the client to report the cough to the healthcare provider is essential for proper evaluation and management. Choice A is incorrect because simply reassuring the client may delay necessary action. Choice C is incorrect as using a humidifier may not address the underlying cause of the cough. Choice D is incorrect because taking a cough suppressant without healthcare provider guidance may mask symptoms without addressing the cause.

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