ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam
1. What is a condition where the pulmonary arteries become blocked by a blood clot, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms?
- A. Pulmonary embolism
- B. Pneumothorax
- C. Pulmonary edema
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is a condition where a blood clot blocks one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, resulting in symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and other related signs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because pneumothorax refers to a collapsed lung, pulmonary edema is the build-up of fluid in the lungs, and pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs - none of which directly involve a blood clot blocking the pulmonary arteries.
2. What is a condition characterized by an abnormal buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue lining the lungs and chest cavity?
- A. Pleural effusion
- B. Pulmonary edema
- C. Atelectasis
- D. Sarcoidosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pleural effusion is the correct answer as it refers to the accumulation of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura surrounding the lungs and chest cavity. This condition can be caused by various factors such as infections, heart failure, or cancer. Pulmonary edema (choice B) involves fluid accumulation in the lungs' air sacs and is not specific to the pleura. Atelectasis (choice C) is the collapse or closure of a lung leading to airless lung tissue and is not related to fluid buildup. Sarcoidosis (choice D) is a condition characterized by the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells in different parts of the body, not specifically involving fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
3. The nurse is administering digoxin to a client with a heart rate of 45 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the digoxin as ordered.
- C. Increase the dose of digoxin.
- D. Monitor the client’s heart rate and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 45 bpm is already low, and digoxin can further decrease the heart rate, leading to serious complications like bradycardia or heart block. Administering the medication can exacerbate the bradycardia, hence it should be withheld. Increasing the dose of digoxin is contraindicated due to the client's low heart rate. Monitoring the heart rate alone without taking immediate action to withhold the medication is not the priority when faced with the risk of further lowering the heart rate.
4. What is a blood clot that forms in a vein, often in the legs, and can cause serious complications if it travels to the lungs?
- A. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- B. Pulmonary embolism
- C. Varicose veins
- D. Atherosclerosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs, and can lead to serious complications if it breaks loose and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Varicose veins (choice C) are enlarged, twisted veins usually found in the legs but are not related to blood clots. Atherosclerosis (choice D) is a condition where arteries become narrowed and hardened due to a buildup of plaque, not directly related to blood clots.
5. The client on enoxaparin (Lovenox) is scheduled for surgery. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Hold the enoxaparin and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the enoxaparin as scheduled.
- C. Administer vitamin K before the surgery.
- D. Monitor the client’s INR and proceed with surgery.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the enoxaparin and notify the healthcare provider. Enoxaparin, being an anticoagulant, should be held before surgery to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during the procedure. It is crucial to inform the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate management plan. Choice B is incorrect because administering enoxaparin before surgery can increase the risk of bleeding. Choice C is incorrect as vitamin K administration is not typically indicated in this situation. Choice D is incorrect because monitoring the client's INR and proceeding with surgery without addressing the enoxaparin can lead to significant bleeding complications.
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