ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. What is a condition where the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients?
- A. Stroke
- B. Heart attack
- C. Pulmonary embolism
- D. Pneumonia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to brain cell death and potential disability. Choice B, a heart attack, involves a blockage in the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. Choice C, a pulmonary embolism, is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. Choice D, pneumonia, is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.
2. The client on warfarin has an INR of 5.5. What is the priority nursing action?
- A. Administer vitamin K as an antidote.
- B. Hold the next dose of warfarin.
- C. Increase the dose of warfarin.
- D. Administer fresh frozen plasma.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: An INR of 5.5 is significantly elevated, indicating an increased risk of bleeding. The priority nursing action in this situation is to administer vitamin K as an antidote to reverse the effects of warfarin and lower the INR. Holding the next dose of warfarin (choice B) is important but not as immediate as administering vitamin K. Increasing the dose of warfarin (choice C) would further elevate the INR, worsening the bleeding risk. Administering fresh frozen plasma (choice D) is not the first-line treatment for high INR due to warfarin.
3. The nurse is giving nitroglycerin sublingually for chest pain. What is the most important instruction to give to the client?
- A. Place the tablet under the tongue and let it dissolve completely.
- B. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
- C. Chew the tablet and then swallow it.
- D. Take one tablet every 5 minutes until pain is relieved.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The tablet should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve completely to ensure rapid absorption. This route of administration allows the medication to be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Choice B is incorrect because nitroglycerin is meant to be absorbed sublingually, not swallowed. Choice C is incorrect as chewing the tablet can cause the medication to be rapidly absorbed, leading to adverse effects like a drop in blood pressure. Choice D is incorrect because the client should take only one tablet every 5 minutes up to a maximum of three tablets for chest pain relief.
4. What procedure uses a catheter to open blocked coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart muscle?
- A. Angioplasty
- B. Stent placement
- C. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
- D. Valve replacement
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Angioplasty. Angioplasty is a procedure where a catheter is used to open blocked coronary arteries and may involve the insertion of a stent to improve blood flow to the heart muscle. Stent placement (B) is a related procedure but specifically refers to the insertion of a stent. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) (C) is a surgical procedure that uses blood vessels to bypass blocked coronary arteries. Valve replacement (D) is a different procedure that involves replacing a heart valve, not opening blocked coronary arteries.
5. What is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to a buildup of fluid in the lungs and other parts of the body?
- A. Heart failure
- B. Cardiomyopathy
- C. Myocardial infarction
- D. Pulmonary edema
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart failure. Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, resulting in a buildup of fluid in the lungs and other parts of the body. Choice B, Cardiomyopathy, refers to diseases of the heart muscle, not specifically the inability to pump blood effectively. Choice C, Myocardial infarction, is a heart attack caused by a blocked blood supply to the heart muscle, not directly related to the heart's pumping efficiency. Choice D, Pulmonary edema, is a condition characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs, often a consequence of heart failure but not the primary condition described in the question.
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