ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam
1. 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.
2. The nurse is administering a calcium channel blocker. What is the primary effect of this medication on the cardiovascular system?
- A. Decreases heart rate
- B. Increases heart rate
- C. Increases blood pressure
- D. Decreases blood pressure
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreases blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers primarily work by relaxing the blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. Choice A, 'Decreases heart rate,' is incorrect because calcium channel blockers do not significantly affect heart rate. Choice B, 'Increases heart rate,' is incorrect as calcium channel blockers do not have a primary effect of increasing heart rate. Choice C, 'Increases blood pressure,' is incorrect as the primary effect of calcium channel blockers is to decrease blood pressure by vasodilation.
3. Which condition is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid?
- A. Pneumonia
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Tuberculosis
- D. Cystic fibrosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus, causing symptoms like cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. Bronchitis (choice B) is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not the air sacs in the lungs. Tuberculosis (choice C) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but does not always cause fluid accumulation in the air sacs. Cystic fibrosis (choice D) is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs but does not directly cause inflammation of the air sacs with fluid.
4. The client on furosemide (Lasix) has a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Administer a potassium supplement.
- B. Hold the furosemide and notify the healthcare provider.
- C. Continue the current dose of furosemide.
- D. Administer Digibind.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer a potassium supplement. A potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can lead to serious complications like cardiac dysrhythmias. Therefore, the priority action is to address the low potassium level by administering a potassium supplement. Holding the furosemide (Choice B) may be necessary in the long term to prevent further potassium loss, but the immediate need is to correct the low potassium level. Continuing the current dose of furosemide (Choice C) without addressing the low potassium level can worsen hypokalemia. Administering Digibind (Choice D) is not indicated for low potassium levels; Digibind is used to treat digoxin toxicity.
5. The nurse is caring for a client on amiodarone who complains of visual disturbances. What is the nurse’s best response?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
- B. Reassure the client that this is a common side effect.
- C. Advise the client to monitor their symptoms at home.
- D. Suggest the client reduce physical activity.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. Visual disturbances in a client taking amiodarone can indicate amiodarone toxicity, a serious side effect. Notifying the healthcare provider promptly is essential for further assessment and management. Reassuring the client that this is a common side effect (choice B) is incorrect as visual disturbances should not be dismissed without evaluation. Advising the client to monitor their symptoms at home (choice C) may delay necessary intervention. Suggesting the client reduce physical activity (choice D) is unrelated to addressing visual disturbances caused by amiodarone.
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