ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. Which condition involves the tearing of the aorta, leading to severe pain and internal bleeding?
- A. Aortic dissection
- B. Aneurysm
- C. Stroke
- D. Myocardial infarction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Aortic dissection. Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition where the inner layer of the aorta tears, causing severe chest or back pain and internal bleeding, requiring immediate medical attention. Choice B, aneurysm, involves a bulging or weakening of a blood vessel wall, which is different from a tear in the aorta. Choices C and D, stroke and myocardial infarction, do not directly involve the tearing of the aorta and are distinct conditions.
2. Which of the following is a genetic disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, leading to severe respiratory and digestive problems?
- A. Cystic fibrosis
- B. Pulmonary fibrosis
- C. Pulmonary edema
- D. Bronchiectasis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder characterized by the buildup of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and digestive system, resulting in severe respiratory and digestive issues. Choice B, pulmonary fibrosis, involves scarring and thickening of lung tissue, not excessive mucus production. Choice C, pulmonary edema, refers to fluid accumulation in the lungs, not mucus buildup. Choice D, bronchiectasis, is a condition where the airways in the lungs are damaged and widened, leading to chronic cough and sputum production, but it does not specifically involve the thick, sticky mucus characteristic of cystic fibrosis.
3. A client on a beta blocker has a blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the beta blocker as ordered.
- C. Administer a diuretic to reduce blood pressure.
- D. Continue to monitor the client and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. A blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg is already low, and beta blockers can further decrease blood pressure. Administering the beta blocker can potentially worsen the situation, leading to complications. Administering a diuretic or continuing to monitor the client without taking immediate action could delay necessary intervention. Therefore, holding the beta blocker and involving the healthcare provider promptly is crucial in this scenario.
4. What procedure involves using a catheter to create a small scar in the heart tissue to block abnormal electrical signals and restore normal heart rhythm?
- A. Catheter ablation
- B. Angioplasty
- C. Stent placement
- D. Valve replacement
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Catheter ablation is the correct answer. During catheter ablation, a catheter is used to create a small scar in the heart tissue to block abnormal electrical signals, thereby restoring a normal heart rhythm. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because angioplasty is a procedure to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries, stent placement involves inserting a mesh tube to support a weak artery, and valve replacement is the surgical procedure of replacing a heart valve, none of which match the description provided in the question.
5. What is a condition where the heart beats too fast, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively?
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Arrhythmia
- D. Ventricular fibrillation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Tachycardia is the correct answer because it is a condition characterized by a fast heart rate, which can decrease the heart's efficiency in pumping blood. Bradycardia, on the other hand, refers to a slow heart rate, which is the opposite of what is described in the question. Arrhythmia is a general term for any irregularity in the heart's rhythm, not necessarily specifically related to a fast heart rate. Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening arrhythmia where the heart's lower chambers quiver instead of pumping blood effectively, but it is not specifically characterized by a fast heart rate.
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