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. What is a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is consistently too high, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Hypotension
- C. Diabetes
- D. Hyperlipidemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. This increased pressure can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease and stroke. Hypotension (choice B) refers to low blood pressure, which is not the correct term in this context. Diabetes (choice C) and hyperlipidemia (choice D) are also serious conditions but are not specifically characterized by consistently high blood pressure.
3. What is a condition where the airways become inflamed and narrow, making breathing difficult?
- A. Asthma
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Pleurisy
- D. Tuberculosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Asthma is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by inflammation, narrowing, and swelling of the airways, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes; Pleurisy is inflammation of the tissues that line the lungs and chest cavity; Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs.
4. The client on nitroglycerin complains of a headache. How does the nurse explain this?
- A. This is a normal side effect of nitroglycerin.
- B. This is an allergic reaction to nitroglycerin.
- C. This is an indication of overdose.
- D. This is a sign of heart failure.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'This is a normal side effect of nitroglycerin.' Headaches are a common side effect of nitroglycerin due to vasodilation. Choice B is incorrect because allergic reactions to nitroglycerin typically present with symptoms like rash, itching, or shortness of breath. Choice C is incorrect as an overdose of nitroglycerin would likely present with symptoms beyond just a headache. Choice D is incorrect because headaches related to nitroglycerin are not indicative of heart failure.
5. Which neurotransmitter is released by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to increase heart rate and the force of contraction of the heart?
- A. Norepinephrine
- B. Epinephrine
- C. Dopamine
- D. Acetylcholine
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter released by the sympathetic nervous system that increases heart rate and the force of contraction. Epinephrine, though similar, is more involved in the fight-or-flight response and has a broader range of effects on various organs. Dopamine is not primarily responsible for increasing heart rate and contractility. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that predominantly acts on the parasympathetic nervous system to decrease heart rate and contractility.
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