ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. What is a condition where the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm?
- A. Arrhythmia
- B. Hypertension
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Bradycardia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Arrhythmia is the correct answer because it refers to an irregular or abnormal heart rhythm, which can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or erratically. Hypertension (choice B) is high blood pressure and not directly related to irregular heart rhythm. Tachycardia (choice C) is a condition where the heart beats too quickly, not necessarily irregularly. Bradycardia (choice D) is a condition where the heart beats too slowly, not necessarily irregularly. Therefore, only arrhythmia (choice A) fits the description provided in the question.
2. Which condition refers to the heart being unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs?
- A. Heart failure
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Cardiomyopathy
- D. Pericarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, heart failure. This condition occurs when the heart can't pump enough blood to fulfill the body's requirements. Myocardial infarction (choice B) is the medical term for a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries. Cardiomyopathy (choice C) is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood. Pericarditis (choice D) is the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart, and does not specifically involve the heart's inability to pump sufficient blood.
3. Which type of heart disease involves the stiffening of the heart muscle, reducing its ability to relax and fill with blood?
- A. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- B. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- C. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- D. Ventricular hypertrophy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, restrictive cardiomyopathy. This condition specifically involves the stiffening of the heart muscle, leading to a reduced ability to relax and fill with blood between beats. Choice B, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, is characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, not stiffening. Choice C, dilated cardiomyopathy, involves the enlargement and weakening of the heart chambers, not stiffening. Choice D, ventricular hypertrophy, refers to the thickening of the walls of the heart's pumping chambers but does not specifically involve the stiffening that is characteristic of restrictive cardiomyopathy.
4. 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.
5. For what reason might the nurse be given an order to administer milrinone (Primacor)?
- A. For congestive heart failure
- B. For hypertension
- C. For cardiac arrhythmias
- D. For bradycardia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Milrinone is commonly prescribed for congestive heart failure to help improve cardiac function and alleviate symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as milrinone is not typically used for hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, or bradycardia. It is specifically indicated for congestive heart failure for short-term management.
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