ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. What is a life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly stops beating?
- A. Cardiac arrest
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Heart failure
- D. Atrial fibrillation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Cardiac arrest is the correct answer. It is a sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness, typically resulting in death if not treated immediately. Myocardial infarction (choice B) refers to a heart attack caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries. Heart failure (choice C) is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently. Atrial fibrillation (choice D) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to complications but is not the same as cardiac arrest.
2. A client with a nasogastric tube receiving continuous enteral feedings is at risk for aspiration. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent aspiration?
- A. Elevate the head of the bed to 15 degrees
- B. Check gastric residual volumes every 6 hours
- C. Monitor the pH of gastric aspirate
- D. Instill 10 mL of air into the tube before feeding
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Checking gastric residual volumes every 6 hours is essential in preventing aspiration in clients receiving continuous enteral feedings. This practice helps determine if the stomach is adequately emptying, reducing the risk of regurgitation and aspiration. Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees, not 15 degrees, is recommended to further prevent aspiration by reducing the risk of reflux. Monitoring the pH of gastric aspirate is important to assess tube placement but does not directly prevent aspiration. Instilling air into the tube before feeding is not a recommended practice and does not prevent aspiration.
3. A nurse is assessing a client who has left-sided heart failure. Which of the following should the nurse identify as a manifestation of pulmonary congestion?
- A. Frothy, pink sputum
- B. Jugular vein distention
- C. Weight gain
- D. Bradypnea
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Correct! Frothy, pink sputum is a classic sign of pulmonary congestion in left-sided heart failure. This occurs due to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, leading to the coughing up of frothy, pink-tinged sputum. Jugular vein distention (choice B) is more indicative of right-sided heart failure, where fluid backs up into the systemic circulation. Weight gain (choice C) may occur due to fluid retention, but it is not a direct manifestation of pulmonary congestion. Bradypnea (choice D) refers to abnormally slow breathing and is not specifically associated with pulmonary congestion.
4. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of osteoporosis and is prescribed alendronate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take this medication with food.
- B. Take this medication with a full glass of water after meals.
- C. Take this medication on an empty stomach with a full glass of water.
- D. You can take this medication at any time of day.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C. Alendronate should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water to ensure proper absorption. Choice A is incorrect because alendronate should not be taken with food. Choice B is incorrect because alendronate should be taken on an empty stomach, not after meals. Choice D is incorrect because alendronate should be taken at a specific time following the instructions given.
5. What amount of fluid loss occurs with moderate dehydration?
- A. <50 ml/kg
- B. 50 to 90 ml/kg
- C. <5% total body weight
- D. >15% total body weight
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Moderate dehydration is typically defined as a loss of 50 to 90 mL/kg of body weight. This amount reflects significant fluid loss that requires medical attention but is not yet severe.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI Basic
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access @ $69.99
ATI Basic
- 50,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 90 days access @ $149.99