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

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. A client on spironolactone (Aldactone) has a potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for a client on spironolactone with a potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L is to hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can further elevate potassium levels, which are already high. Administering a potassium supplement (Choice B) would exacerbate the hyperkalemia. Continuing the spironolactone as ordered (Choice C) could lead to worsening hyperkalemia. Increasing the dose of spironolactone (Choice D) would be contraindicated in the presence of elevated potassium levels.

3. Which of the following is a chronic lung disease that results in the gradual destruction of the alveoli, causing difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen exchange?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Emphysema is the correct answer as it is a chronic lung disease characterized by the gradual destruction of the alveoli, which are essential for oxygen exchange. This destruction leads to difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen levels in the blood. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not specifically involving alveoli destruction. Pulmonary hypertension is a condition of high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, not directly related to alveoli destruction. Sarcoidosis is a disease characterized by the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells in different parts of the body, including the lungs, but it does not primarily involve the destruction of alveoli.

4. Which surgical procedure involves opening or replacing a narrowed or blocked heart valve?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Valve replacement is the correct answer because it specifically involves surgically replacing a damaged or diseased heart valve with a prosthetic valve to address narrowing or blockage, thereby improving blood flow and heart function. Angioplasty (choice B) is a procedure to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries, typically using a balloon catheter. Stent placement (choice C) involves inserting a mesh tube to support a weakened artery. Coronary bypass surgery (choice D) is a procedure to create new routes for blood flow to the heart muscle by bypassing blocked arteries.

5. What is a condition where the right side of the heart fails due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, often caused by chronic lung disease?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cor pulmonale is the correct answer. It is a condition where the right side of the heart fails due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, often caused by chronic lung disease such as COPD. Pulmonary embolism (choice C) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs. Myocarditis (choice D) is inflammation of the heart muscle. While heart failure (choice B) is a broad term that can involve the failure of either the right or left side of the heart.

Similar Questions

The nurse is administering a calcium channel blocker. What is the primary effect of this medication on the cardiovascular system?
What is an acute respiratory infection that inflames the alveoli in one or both lungs, causing them to fill with fluid or pus?
What is a chronic condition where the bronchial tubes in the lungs become inflamed and narrowed, often caused by smoking?
The client on nitroglycerin patches reports dizziness when standing up. What is the nurse’s best response?
What is a condition where the airways become swollen and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe, often associated with COPD?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses