this is a life threatening condition where the aorta tears causing severe pain and internal bleeding
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Cardiovascular System Exam Questions

1. Which condition involves the tearing of the aorta, leading to severe pain and internal bleeding?

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. A client on a beta blocker has a heart rate of 52 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 52 bpm is low, and beta blockers can further decrease the heart rate, potentially causing harm. Therefore, withholding the medication and promptly informing the healthcare provider is crucial for further assessment and possible adjustment of the treatment plan. Administering the beta blocker as ordered (Choice B) can exacerbate the bradycardia. Increasing the dose of the beta blocker (Choice C) would further suppress the heart rate. Continuing to monitor the client and reassessing in 30 minutes (Choice D) might delay necessary interventions and increase the risk of complications in a client with a heart rate of 52 bpm.

3. What is the term for a blood clot blocking an artery in the lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks an artery, causing symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. Choice B, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), involves a blood clot forming in a deep vein, usually in the legs. Choice C, myocardial infarction, refers to a heart attack due to blocked blood flow to the heart muscle. Choice D, pneumothorax, is a collapsed lung due to air leaking into the chest cavity.

4. The client is on a beta blocker for hypertension. What should the nurse monitor for?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: When a client is on a beta blocker for hypertension, the nurse should monitor for bradycardia. Beta blockers are known to decrease heart rate, which can lead to bradycardia. Tachycardia (choice B) is unlikely as beta blockers have the opposite effect. Hypertension (choice C) is the condition being treated, not a side effect of beta blockers. Respiratory distress (choice D) is not a common effect of beta blockers and is not typically monitored in clients taking beta blockers.

5. What is the procedure where a small mesh tube is inserted into an artery to keep it open after angioplasty?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, stent placement. Stent placement involves inserting a small mesh tube into an artery to maintain its openness after angioplasty. This choice is correct because it directly describes the procedure mentioned in the question. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Bypass surgery involves rerouting blood flow around a blocked artery using a vessel from another part of the body. Angioplasty is the procedure of widening a narrowed or blocked blood vessel, often followed by stent placement. Valve replacement is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged or diseased heart valve with an artificial or biological valve.

Similar Questions

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What test measures the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time, typically 24 to 48 hours?
The client on a beta blocker has a blood pressure of 88/58 mm Hg. What is the nurse’s priority action?
The client on spironolactone (Aldactone) should avoid which type of food?

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