ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam
1. What is the condition where the lungs become filled with fluid, often due to heart failure, making it difficult to breathe?
- A. Pulmonary edema
- B. Pleural effusion
- C. Pulmonary hypertension
- D. Pneumothorax
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pulmonary edema is the correct answer. It occurs when fluid fills the lungs, usually due to heart failure, leading to breathing difficulties. Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid around the lungs, not inside. Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, and pneumothorax is the presence of air between the lung and chest wall.
2. Which of the following is a chronic condition where the heart muscle is weakened and unable to pump blood effectively, often leading to heart failure?
- A. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- B. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Myocarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by the heart muscle being weakened and unable to pump blood effectively, ultimately resulting in heart failure. Choice B, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, involves the heart muscle becoming abnormally thick, reducing the heart's efficiency. Choice C, Restrictive cardiomyopathy, refers to the heart becoming rigid and less able to fill with blood properly. Myocarditis, as in Choice D, is inflammation of the heart muscle usually caused by a viral infection and is different from the chronic weakening seen in dilated cardiomyopathy.
3. The client on furosemide (Lasix) is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?
- A. Hyperkalemia
- B. Hypokalemia
- C. Hyponatremia
- D. Hypernatremia
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss, resulting in hypokalemia. This electrolyte imbalance is a significant risk associated with diuretic use. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Hyperkalemia (choice A) is not typically associated with furosemide use. Hyponatremia (choice C) and hypernatremia (choice D) are related to sodium levels, not potassium levels affected by furosemide.
4. What is the accumulation of fatty deposits along the walls of arteries, leading to reduced blood flow?
- A. Atherosclerosis
- B. Arteriosclerosis
- C. Aneurysm
- D. Thrombosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Atherosclerosis is the correct answer. It refers to the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) along the inner walls of arteries, narrowing the blood vessels and reducing blood flow. This condition can lead to serious complications such as heart attacks or strokes. Arteriosclerosis (choice B) is a broader term that refers to the thickening and hardening of the arterial walls. While related, it is not as specific as atherosclerosis in describing the fatty deposit accumulation. Aneurysm (choice C) is the abnormal bulging of an artery wall that can rupture and cause internal bleeding, not specifically related to fatty deposits. Thrombosis (choice D) is the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel, which can obstruct blood flow, but it is not directly related to the accumulation of fatty deposits.
5. What is a condition where the heart's electrical impulses are blocked or delayed, leading to a slower or irregular heartbeat?
- A. Heart block
- B. Atrial fibrillation
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Bradycardia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Heart block is the correct answer. It is a condition where the electrical impulses in the heart are blocked or delayed, resulting in a slower or irregular heartbeat. This can lead to symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or other issues. Atrial fibrillation (B) is characterized by rapid, irregular heartbeats. Tachycardia (C) is a condition where the heart rate is too fast. Bradycardia (D) is the opposite of tachycardia, where the heart rate is too slow.
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