ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. 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.
2. A patient is admitted with suspected pneumonia. What is the nurse's priority assessment?
- A. Auscultate the patient's lung sounds.
- B. Assess the patient's oxygen saturation.
- C. Monitor the patient's white blood cell count.
- D. Monitor the patient's skin integrity.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's oxygen saturation. In suspected pneumonia, ensuring adequate oxygenation is critical to monitor respiratory function. Auscultating lung sounds is important but assessing oxygen saturation takes precedence as it directly reflects the patient's oxygen levels. Monitoring white blood cell count is more related to infection assessment rather than immediate respiratory status. Checking skin integrity is essential for overall patient care but is not the priority in a patient with suspected pneumonia.
3. A client with diabetes mellitus has a foot ulcer. What is an appropriate intervention to promote wound healing?
- A. Apply a heating pad to the wound
- B. Apply a moisture-retentive dressing
- C. Provide daily wound irrigation
- D. Apply an ice pack to the wound
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to apply a moisture-retentive dressing. This type of dressing promotes a moist wound environment, which is crucial for wound healing. Applying a heating pad can lead to tissue damage, while daily wound irrigation can disrupt the wound healing process. Applying an ice pack is not recommended for promoting wound healing in this scenario.
4. A client in the emergency department is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which assessment indicates an improvement in respiratory status?
- A. SaO2 95%
- B. Wheezing
- C. Retraction of sternal muscles
- D. Premature ventricular complexes (PVC's)
Correct answer: SaO2 95%
Rationale: An SaO2 of 95% indicates an improvement in the client's oxygen saturation, suggesting better respiratory status. In asthma exacerbation, a decrease in SaO2 levels would signal worsening respiratory distress. Wheezing, retraction of sternal muscles, and premature ventricular complexes are indicators of respiratory compromise and worsening respiratory status in acute asthma attacks. Monitoring SaO2 levels is crucial in assessing the effectiveness of interventions and guiding treatment decisions.
5. A charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is planning assignments for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) who has been sent from the unit due to a staffing shortage. Which of the following clients should the nurse delegate to the LPN?
- A. A client who has an Hgb of 6.3 g/dl and a prescription for packed RBCs.
- B. A client who sustained a concussion and has unequal pupils.
- C. A client who is postoperative following a bowel resection with an NG tube.
- D. A client who fractured his femur yesterday and is experiencing shortness of breath.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because a client who is postoperative following a bowel resection with an NG tube can be delegated to an LPN as this involves routine postoperative care. Option A involves administering packed RBCs which requires assessment and monitoring for potential adverse reactions, not suitable for delegation to an LPN. Option B requires neurological assessment and close monitoring due to the concussion, which is beyond the scope of an LPN. Option D involves a client with a recent fracture and shortness of breath, which requires urgent assessment and intervention beyond the LPN's scope of practice.
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