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. The nurse is administering a beta blocker to a client with a heart rate of 50 bpm. What is the priority action?
- A. Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the beta blocker as ordered.
- C. Decrease the dose of the beta blocker.
- D. Monitor the client’s heart rate and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action is to hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 50 bpm is already low, and beta blockers can further decrease the heart rate, potentially causing adverse effects like bradycardia or heart block. Administering the beta blocker as ordered (Choice B) can exacerbate the low heart rate. Decreasing the dose of the beta blocker (Choice C) may not be sufficient to address the potential harm. Monitoring the client’s heart rate and reassessing in 30 minutes (Choice D) may delay necessary interventions if the heart rate drops further. Therefore, the priority is to hold the medication and seek guidance from the healthcare provider.
3. The nurse is teaching a client about side effects of ACE inhibitors. What is the most important side effect to monitor?
- A. Cough
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hypotension
- D. Dizziness
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough. ACE inhibitors commonly cause a persistent dry cough in patients. This side effect is important to monitor because it can indicate the development of angioedema, a serious adverse reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is a potential side effect of ACE inhibitors but is not typically the most important one to monitor. Hypotension (choice C) and dizziness (choice D) are also possible side effects of ACE inhibitors, but they are not as critical to monitor as the development of a persistent cough.
4. The client has a prescription for sublingual nitroglycerin. What is the nurse's instruction for how to take this medication during an episode of chest pain?
- A. Take one tablet every 5 minutes, up to three tablets.
- B. Take one tablet every hour until the pain subsides.
- C. Take two tablets immediately if chest pain occurs.
- D. Take one tablet with a full glass of water.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The standard instruction for sublingual nitroglycerin during an episode of chest pain is to take one tablet every 5 minutes, up to three tablets. If the pain persists after taking three tablets, the client should seek emergency help. Choice B is incorrect because taking one tablet every hour is not the appropriate dosing for acute chest pain. Choice C is incorrect as taking two tablets immediately is not in line with the recommended dosing instructions. Choice D is incorrect because sublingual nitroglycerin should be placed under the tongue, not swallowed with water.
5. What is the condition where the lung collapses due to air leaking into the space between the lung and chest wall?
- A. Pneumothorax
- B. Pleural effusion
- C. Pulmonary fibrosis
- D. Lung cancer
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pneumothorax is the correct answer. It is the collapse of a lung due to air leaking into the space between the lung and chest wall. This condition often requires emergency treatment. Choice B, Pleural effusion, is the buildup of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lung, not air. Choice C, Pulmonary fibrosis, is a lung disease characterized by scarring and thickening of lung tissue, not related to lung collapse. Choice D, Lung cancer, is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lung, not directly causing lung collapse.
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