ATI RN
Physical Exam Cardiovascular System
1. What is the condition where the walls of the heart's ventricles become thickened, reducing the heart's ability to pump blood effectively?
- A. Ventricular hypertrophy
- B. Atrial fibrillation
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Cardiomyopathy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Ventricular hypertrophy is the correct answer. In ventricular hypertrophy, the walls of the heart's ventricles become thickened, which decreases the heart's efficiency in pumping blood. Atrial fibrillation (choice B) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to poor blood flow. While restrictive cardiomyopathy (choice C) involves the heart muscle becoming rigid and less compliant, it is not specifically characterized by thickening of the ventricular walls. Cardiomyopathy (choice D) is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle, which can present with various symptoms and causes.
2. Which of the following is a type of heart valve disease where the aortic valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body?
- A. Aortic stenosis
- B. Mitral stenosis
- C. Tricuspid regurgitation
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Aortic stenosis. In aortic stenosis, the aortic valve becomes narrowed, which obstructs the blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. This condition can lead to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Mitral stenosis (choice B) involves narrowing of the mitral valve, not the aortic valve. Tricuspid regurgitation (choice C) is a condition where the tricuspid valve leaks, causing blood to flow backward in the heart. Pulmonary hypertension (choice D) is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.
3. What test uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart, allowing doctors to see how well the heart is functioning?
- A. Echocardiogram
- B. MRI
- C. CT scan
- D. X-ray
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is an echocardiogram. This test utilizes sound waves to generate images of the heart, enabling doctors to evaluate both the function and structure of the heart. Choice B, MRI, uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body's organs and structures, not specifically focused on the heart. Choice C, CT scan, employs X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body, not primarily for the heart. Choice D, X-ray, uses electromagnetic radiation to produce images of internal structures, but it does not provide the detailed pictures of the heart's function that an echocardiogram does.
4. What is the term for inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often leading to a persistent cough and mucus production?
- A. Bronchitis
- B. Asthma
- C. Pneumonia
- D. Cystic fibrosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Bronchitis.' Bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which can be acute or chronic, leading to symptoms like coughing and increased mucus production. Choice B, 'Asthma,' is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, often causing wheezing and shortness of breath. Choice C, 'Pneumonia,' is an infection that inflames air sacs in one or both lungs, leading to symptoms like fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Choice D, 'Cystic fibrosis,' is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system, causing mucus buildup and respiratory issues.
5. The nurse is teaching a client about side effects of ACE inhibitors. What is the most important side effect to monitor?
- A. Cough
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hypotension
- D. Dizziness
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough. ACE inhibitors commonly cause a persistent dry cough in patients. This side effect is important to monitor because it can indicate the development of angioedema, a serious adverse reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is a potential side effect of ACE inhibitors but is not typically the most important one to monitor. Hypotension (choice C) and dizziness (choice D) are also possible side effects of ACE inhibitors, but they are not as critical to monitor as the development of a persistent cough.
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