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?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Hypotension
- C. Diabetes
- D. Hyperlipidemia
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. What term refers to the degree of myocardial fiber stretch before contraction, related to the volume of blood distending the ventricles at the end of diastole, and determined by the amount of venous return?
- A. Preload
- B. Afterload
- C. Contractility
- D. Ejection fraction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Preload. Preload is the degree of myocardial fiber stretch before contraction, influenced by the volume of blood returning to the heart. This parameter is related to the amount of blood in the ventricles at the end of diastole. Choice B, Afterload, refers to the pressure or resistance that the ventricles must overcome to eject blood. Choice C, Contractility, is the intrinsic ability of the heart muscle to contract. Choice D, Ejection fraction, is the percentage of blood pumped out of the ventricles with each contraction.
3. What is the term for a condition where the lung collapses due to air leaking into the space between the lung and the chest wall?
- A. Pneumothorax
- B. Pleural effusion
- C. Atelectasis
- D. Pulmonary fibrosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pneumothorax is the correct answer for this question. Pneumothorax is the collapse of a lung caused by the presence of air in the pleural space between the lung and chest wall. This condition can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and may require emergency treatment such as chest tube insertion to remove the air. Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, not air. Atelectasis is the collapse or closure of a lung resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange. Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition characterized by scarring and thickening of lung tissue, not related to air leaking into the pleural space.
4. The nurse is administering a beta blocker to a client with a heart rate of 58 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Administer the beta blocker as ordered.
- B. Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider.
- C. Increase the dose of the beta blocker.
- D. Monitor the client’s heart rate and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. A heart rate of 58 bpm is considered low, and beta blockers can further decrease the heart rate. Therefore, the nurse's priority action should be to hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider for further assessment. Choice A is incorrect because administering the beta blocker without considering the low heart rate can worsen the condition. Choice C is incorrect as increasing the dose of the beta blocker can lead to further slowing of the heart rate, which is not safe in this situation. Choice D is not the priority action; holding the medication and seeking guidance from the healthcare provider is more crucial.
5. Which heart chamber ejects blood into the lungs via the pulmonary artery?
- A. Right atrium
- B. Left atrium
- C. Right ventricle
- D. Left ventricle
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, the right ventricle. The right ventricle is responsible for pumping deoxygenated blood into the lungs through the pulmonary artery for oxygenation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body, the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs, and the left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the body, respectively.
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