ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. Which condition involves the heart muscle becoming abnormally thickened, reducing its ability to pump blood?
- A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- B. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Ischemic cardiomyopathy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In this condition, the heart muscle thickens, leading to a decreased ability to pump blood effectively. Choice B, Dilated cardiomyopathy, is characterized by the heart chambers enlarging and weakening. Choice C, Restrictive cardiomyopathy, involves the heart muscle becoming rigid and less compliant. Choice D, Ischemic cardiomyopathy, is when the heart muscle is weakened due to reduced blood flow.
2. Which type of medication helps to lower cholesterol levels in the blood?
- A. Statins
- B. Beta-blockers
- C. ACE inhibitors
- D. Diuretics
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Statins are a type of medication specifically designed to lower cholesterol levels in the blood by inhibiting an enzyme involved in cholesterol production. Beta-blockers are mainly used to treat conditions like high blood pressure and heart problems by reducing the heart rate and workload. ACE inhibitors are used to manage conditions like high blood pressure and heart failure by relaxing blood vessels. Diuretics are medications that help the body get rid of excess salt and water by increasing urine production. Therefore, in the context of lowering cholesterol levels, statins are the most appropriate choice.
3. The client on atorvastatin (Lipitor) should be advised to report which of the following symptoms?
- A. Muscle pain
- B. Headache
- C. Nausea
- D. Dizziness
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Muscle pain. Muscle pain can be a sign of rhabdomyolysis, a serious side effect of statins like atorvastatin. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition where muscle fibers break down rapidly and release their contents into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney damage. Headache, nausea, and dizziness are not commonly associated with atorvastatin use and are less likely to indicate a serious adverse reaction compared to muscle pain.
4. What is a severe allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing and shock?
- A. Anaphylaxis
- B. Asthma attack
- C. Bronchospasm
- D. Hypersensitivity
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Anaphylaxis is the correct answer. It is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can lead to difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. An asthma attack is a separate condition characterized by narrowed airways and difficulty breathing, but it is not necessarily related to an allergic reaction like anaphylaxis. Bronchospasm refers to the sudden constriction of muscles in the bronchi, leading to breathing difficulties, and is not specific to allergic reactions. Hypersensitivity is a general term for an exaggerated immune response to a substance, which may or may not manifest as severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis.
5. What is the condition where the arteries in the brain become blocked or narrowed, leading to reduced blood flow and a potential stroke?
- A. Cerebral atherosclerosis
- B. Coronary artery disease
- C. Pulmonary embolism
- D. Peripheral artery disease
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Cerebral atherosclerosis is the correct answer. It is a condition where the arteries in the brain become blocked or narrowed due to plaque buildup, leading to reduced blood flow and an increased risk of stroke. Choice B, Coronary artery disease, specifically affects the arteries supplying blood to the heart, not the brain. Choice C, Pulmonary embolism, involves a blockage in the pulmonary artery that affects blood flow to the lungs, not the brain. Choice D, Peripheral artery disease, refers to a condition where blockages occur in arteries outside of the heart and brain, typically affecting the limbs.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access