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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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. What procedure is used to remove fluid from the pleural space to help a patient breathe more easily?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Thoracentesis is the correct answer. It is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the pleural space to drain fluid, relieving pressure and helping the patient breathe more easily. Bronchoscopy (choice B) is a procedure used to examine the airways, not to drain fluid. An echocardiogram (choice C) is an imaging test to assess the heart's structure and function, not related to draining pleural fluid. A CT scan (choice D) is a cross-sectional imaging test that provides detailed pictures of the inside of the body, not used for draining pleural fluid.

3. What is this surgical procedure that restores blood flow to the heart by diverting blood around a blocked artery?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), which is a surgical procedure to improve blood flow to the heart by redirecting blood around blocked or narrowed arteries. This procedure is specifically designed to bypass blocked coronary arteries, allowing blood to flow more freely to the heart muscle. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because angioplasty involves opening up narrowed or blocked blood vessels, stent placement involves inserting a mesh tube to keep arteries open, and valve replacement involves replacing a damaged heart valve - none of which directly address diverting blood flow around a blocked artery.

4. Which of the following is a chronic condition characterized by difficulty breathing due to airflow obstruction, commonly associated with long-term smoking?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a chronic lung condition characterized by persistent airflow obstruction, commonly linked to long-term smoking. Choice B, Asthma, is a chronic condition characterized by reversible airflow obstruction and airway inflammation triggered by various factors like allergens and irritants. Choice C, Pulmonary hypertension, is a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. Choice D, Bronchitis, is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes that may be acute or chronic, but it is not typically associated with long-term smoking like COPD.

5. The healthcare provider is monitoring a client on an ACE inhibitor. What lab value is most important to monitor?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium. When a client is on an ACE inhibitor, it is crucial to monitor potassium levels because ACE inhibitors can lead to an increase in potassium, potentially causing hyperkalemia. Monitoring sodium levels (Choice B) is not as critical in this scenario. Creatinine levels (Choice C) are important for assessing kidney function but are not the most crucial lab value to monitor with ACE inhibitors. Calcium levels (Choice D) are not directly affected by ACE inhibitors and are not the priority for monitoring in this case.

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