ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam
1. What is a condition where the heart's ability to pump blood is reduced because the heart muscle is enlarged, thickened, or stiffened?
- A. Cardiomyopathy
- B. Endocarditis
- C. Myocarditis
- D. Aortic stenosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Cardiomyopathy is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the enlargement, thickening, or stiffening of the heart muscle, leading to a reduced ability of the heart to pump blood effectively. Endocarditis (Choice B) is the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, not specifically related to the heart muscle. Myocarditis (Choice C) is inflammation of the heart muscle typically caused by a viral infection, not directly related to the heart muscle's structure. Aortic stenosis (Choice D) is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the aortic valve opening, affecting blood flow from the heart's left ventricle to the aorta, different from the structural changes seen in cardiomyopathy.
2. Like Piaget's theory, the information-processing approach __________.
- A. divides development into stages
- B. views development as discontinuous
- C. regards people as actively making sense of their own thinking
- D. has much to say about nonlinear cognition, such as imagination and creativity
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'regards people as actively making sense of their own thinking.' The information-processing approach, similar to Piaget's theory, focuses on how individuals actively process information, encode it, store it, and retrieve it to understand the world around them. Choices A and B are incorrect because the information-processing approach does not necessarily divide development into stages or view development as discontinuous. Choice D is incorrect because the information-processing approach is more concerned with cognitive processes like encoding, storage, and retrieval, rather than nonlinear cognition such as imagination and creativity.
3. Isabel is listening to a piece of classical music and tape recording all her feelings and impressions as she experiences them. Isabel is using a technique similar to the research methodology of?
- A. Structuralism.
- B. Functionalism.
- C. Behaviorism.
- D. Humanism.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Structuralism. Structuralism involves introspection, where individuals report their thoughts and feelings while engaging with stimuli. In this scenario, Isabel is recording her feelings and impressions while listening to music, which aligns with the introspective nature of structuralism. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because functionalism focuses on the purpose of behaviors, behaviorism emphasizes observable behaviors and environmental influences, and humanism highlights individual growth and personal experiences rather than introspection.
4. A patient is taking spironolactone (Aldactone) to control her hypertension. Her serum potassium level is 6 mEq/L. For this patient, the nurse's priority would be to assess her:
- A. Neuromuscular function
- B. Bowel sounds
- C. Respiratory rate
- D. Electrocardiogram (ECG) results
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In a patient with a serum potassium level of 6 mEq/L due to spironolactone use, the nurse's priority is to assess the Electrocardiogram (ECG) results. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation, which can be detected on an ECG. While changes in neuromuscular function, bowel sounds, and respiratory rate can occur with hyperkalemia, the most critical assessment related to the patient's condition would be monitoring the ECG for signs of cardiac complications.
5. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Serum calcium level of 8 mg/dL.
- B. Urine output of 60 mL/hr.
- C. Heart rate of 110/min.
- D. Temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F).
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. A heart rate of 110/min is elevated and may indicate hypocalcemia, a potential complication following a thyroidectomy. Elevated heart rate can be a sign of hypocalcemia due to the close relationship between calcium levels and cardiac function. Option A, serum calcium level of 8 mg/dL, is within the normal range (8.5-10.5 mg/dL) and would not be a cause for concern post-thyroidectomy. Option B, urine output of 60 mL/hr, is within the normal range for urine output and not typically a priority finding post-thyroidectomy. Option D, a temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F), is slightly elevated but not a critical finding post-thyroidectomy unless accompanied by other symptoms.
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