ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. Which disease is characterized by the damage to the alveoli in the lungs, leading to breathlessness?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Pulmonary fibrosis
- C. Lung cancer
- D. Lung abscess
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Emphysema. Emphysema is a lung condition characterized by the damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, which results in breathlessness and reduced lung function. Pulmonary fibrosis (B) is a condition where lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred, leading to stiffness in the lungs. Lung cancer (C) is a malignancy affecting the lungs, which can cause various symptoms depending on the stage. Lung abscess (D) is a localized collection of pus within the lung tissue, typically caused by a bacterial infection.
2. The client is given an alpha agonist. What might it be used for?
- A. For hemostasis
- B. To dilate the arteries
- C. To dilate the veins
- D. To decrease afterload
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Alpha agonists are used for hemostasis to help control bleeding by constricting blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow to the area. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as alpha agonists do not typically dilate arteries, dilate veins, or decrease afterload.
3. The client is on spironolactone (Aldactone). What is the most important dietary instruction?
- A. Avoid foods high in potassium.
- B. Increase intake of foods high in potassium.
- C. Avoid foods high in sodium.
- D. Increase intake of foods high in sodium.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to avoid foods high in potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it helps the body retain potassium and can lead to hyperkalemia if too much potassium is consumed. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because increasing intake of potassium-rich foods can worsen hyperkalemia, while avoiding foods high in sodium is not the primary concern when taking spironolactone.
4. The client on atorvastatin (Lipitor) should be advised to report which of the following symptoms?
- A. Muscle pain
- B. Headache
- C. Nausea
- D. Dizziness
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Muscle pain. Muscle pain can be a sign of rhabdomyolysis, a serious side effect of statins like atorvastatin. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition where muscle fibers break down rapidly and release their contents into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney damage. Headache, nausea, and dizziness are not commonly associated with atorvastatin use and are less likely to indicate a serious adverse reaction compared to muscle pain.
5. This heart condition is characterized by decreased cardiac output and tissue perfusion, which can lead to organ failure.
- A. Cardiogenic shock
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Endocarditis
- D. Pericarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiogenic shock. Cardiogenic shock is a severe condition characterized by the heart's inability to pump enough blood, leading to decreased cardiac output and tissue perfusion, which can result in organ failure. Choice B, Myocardial infarction, specifically refers to a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle. Choices C and D, Endocarditis and Pericarditis, do not directly involve decreased cardiac output leading to organ failure, making them incorrect in the context of the symptoms described in the question.
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