ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. What is the condition where the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, becomes inflamed, leading to chest pain and other symptoms?
- A. Pericarditis
- B. Myocarditis
- C. Endocarditis
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pericarditis is the correct answer. It is the inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, which can lead to chest pain and other symptoms. Myocarditis (choice B) is inflammation of the heart muscle, not the pericardium. Endocarditis (choice C) is inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, not the pericardium. Pulmonary hypertension (choice D) is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, not related to pericardial inflammation.
2. What is the approximate stroke volume of the heart?
- A. Approximately 60 mL of blood per beat
- B. Approximately 70 mL of blood per beat
- C. Approximately 80 mL of blood per beat
- D. Approximately 90 mL of blood per beat
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Approximately 70 mL of blood per beat. The stroke volume of the heart is typically around 70 mL, indicating the volume of blood ejected from the left ventricle with each contraction. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the standard approximate stroke volume of the heart, which is around 70 mL per beat.
3. What is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system, leading to thick, sticky mucus that can clog the airways?
- A. Cystic fibrosis
- B. COPD
- C. Bronchiectasis
- D. Pulmonary fibrosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. It leads to the production of thick, sticky mucus that can clog the airways, causing respiratory issues. Choice B, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), is a different condition usually caused by smoking or exposure to irritants. Choice C, bronchiectasis, involves the widening and scarring of the airways, not the production of thick mucus. Choice D, pulmonary fibrosis, is a lung disease characterized by scarring of the lung tissue, not excessive mucus production.
4. What is a condition where the lung's air sacs (alveoli) are damaged and enlarged, leading to breathlessness?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Chronic bronchitis
- C. Asthma
- D. Pulmonary fibrosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Emphysema is the correct answer. It is a condition where the air sacs in the lungs are damaged and enlarged, leading to breathlessness. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not the alveoli. Asthma involves airway inflammation and constriction, not alveolar damage. Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition where lung tissue becomes thickened and scarred, different from the alveolar damage seen in emphysema.
5. The client on nitroglycerin patches reports dizziness when standing up. What is the nurse’s best response?
- A. Advise the client to rise slowly to prevent dizziness.
- B. Instruct the client to discontinue the nitroglycerin patches.
- C. Encourage the client to rest and avoid physical activity.
- D. Suggest the client take an over-the-counter antiemetic.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to rise slowly to prevent dizziness. Dizziness when standing up can be a sign of orthostatic hypotension, a common side effect of nitroglycerin. Rising slowly can help minimize this symptom. Instructing the client to discontinue the nitroglycerin patches (Choice B) is not appropriate without consulting a healthcare provider as sudden discontinuation can lead to adverse effects. Encouraging the client to rest and avoid physical activity (Choice C) does not address the specific issue of orthostatic hypotension. Suggesting the client take an over-the-counter antiemetic (Choice D) is not indicated for dizziness related to orthostatic hypotension.
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