ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam
1. What is the condition where the body's immune system attacks its tissues, causing inflammation and damage?
- A. Autoimmune disease
- B. Infectious disease
- C. Allergic reaction
- D. Degenerative disease
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. This is different from infectious diseases (choice B), which are caused by pathogenic microorganisms, allergic reactions (choice C), which involve an exaggerated response of the immune system to harmless substances, and degenerative diseases (choice D), which are characterized by progressive deterioration of tissue or organs due to various factors.
2. What does the PR interval measure?
- A. Time it takes for the electrical impulse to travel from the atria to the ventricles
- B. Measurement of ventricular depolarization
- C. Duration of ventricular repolarization
- D. Segment representing the time between ventricular depolarization and repolarization
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The PR interval measures the time it takes for the electrical impulse to travel from the atria to the ventricles. It is crucial in diagnosing heart rhythm disorders, as abnormalities in this interval can indicate conduction abnormalities between the atria and ventricles. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization, the QT interval represents the duration of ventricular repolarization, and the ST segment represents the time between ventricular depolarization and repolarization.
3. What type of medication is used to reduce high blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels?
- A. Calcium channel blocker
- B. Beta-blocker
- C. ACE inhibitor
- D. Diuretic
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Calcium channel blockers are medications that reduce high blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels, facilitating easier blood flow through the vessels. Beta-blockers work by reducing the heart rate and the heart's workload. ACE inhibitors help relax blood vessels by blocking the production of a chemical that narrows blood vessels. Diuretics help the body get rid of excess sodium and water to lower blood pressure, but they do not directly relax blood vessels like calcium channel blockers do.
4. The client is receiving digoxin and has a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Increase the dose of digoxin.
- C. Continue the current dose of digoxin.
- D. Administer potassium supplements.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Holding the medication and informing the healthcare provider is crucial to prevent adverse effects. Choice B is incorrect because increasing the dose of digoxin would further raise the risk of toxicity. Choice C is incorrect as continuing the current dose could exacerbate the toxicity risk. Choice D is incorrect because administering potassium supplements alone is not sufficient to address the potential digoxin toxicity; the first step should be to hold the digoxin and seek further guidance.
5. The client is prescribed warfarin. What should the client be taught about this medication?
- A. Avoid foods high in vitamin K.
- B. Take the medication with food to prevent stomach upset.
- C. Take the medication at the same time every day.
- D. Increase the dose if a dose is missed.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid foods high in vitamin K. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication, and vitamin K can counteract its effects. Therefore, it is important for clients taking warfarin to avoid foods high in vitamin K to maintain the medication's effectiveness. Choice B is incorrect because warfarin should be taken consistently as prescribed, regardless of food intake. Choice C is incorrect because while consistency in timing is important, it is not specific to the effectiveness of warfarin. Choice D is incorrect because clients should never increase the dose of warfarin on their own, especially to make up for a missed dose, as it can lead to serious bleeding risks.
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