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. Which of the following is a chronic condition where the heart muscle is weakened and unable to pump blood effectively, often leading to heart failure?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by the heart muscle being weakened and unable to pump blood effectively, ultimately resulting in heart failure. Choice B, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, involves the heart muscle becoming abnormally thick, reducing the heart's efficiency. Choice C, Restrictive cardiomyopathy, refers to the heart becoming rigid and less able to fill with blood properly. Myocarditis, as in Choice D, is inflammation of the heart muscle usually caused by a viral infection and is different from the chronic weakening seen in dilated cardiomyopathy.

3. What is the condition where the lungs become filled with fluid, often due to heart failure, making it difficult to breathe?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pulmonary edema is the correct answer. It occurs when fluid fills the lungs, usually due to heart failure, leading to breathing difficulties. Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid around the lungs, not inside. Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, and pneumothorax is the presence of air between the lung and chest wall.

4. Which condition involves the body's immune system attacking the lungs and kidneys, causing severe respiratory and renal damage?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Goodpasture syndrome is the correct answer. It is an autoimmune disease characterized by the immune system attacking the lungs and kidneys, leading to bleeding in the lungs and kidney failure. Sarcoidosis primarily affects the lungs and lymph nodes, not the kidneys. Wegener's granulomatosis affects the lungs, sinuses, and kidneys, but it is characterized by inflammation of blood vessels. Interstitial lung disease involves scarring of the lung tissue, not direct immune system attacks on the lungs and kidneys.

5. The nurse is teaching a client about side effects of ACE inhibitors. What is the most important side effect to monitor?

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.

Similar Questions

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