ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam
1. Which medication is used to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes?
- A. ACE inhibitor
- B. Beta-blocker
- C. Diuretic
- D. Calcium channel blocker
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is an ACE inhibitor. ACE inhibitors are medications specifically designed to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. Beta-blockers, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers are also used to treat high blood pressure, but ACE inhibitors are particularly effective in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
2. What is a condition where the heart's ability to pump blood is decreased, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body?
- A. Heart failure
- B. Cardiomyopathy
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Myocarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, heart failure. Heart failure is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs and other areas. Choice B, Cardiomyopathy, refers to diseases of the heart muscle. Choices C and D, Pericarditis and Myocarditis, respectively, are conditions involving inflammation of the outer lining of the heart and the heart muscle itself, which may not always directly result in decreased pumping ability like heart failure does.
3. The client asks about side effects of taking digoxin. How does the nurse respond?
- A. Anorexia can be a side effect of digoxin.
- B. Tachycardia can be a side effect of digoxin.
- C. Constipation can be a side effect of digoxin.
- D. Urinary retention can be a side effect of digoxin.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Anorexia can be a side effect of digoxin.' Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are commonly known side effects of digoxin. Choice B, 'Tachycardia can be a side effect of digoxin,' is incorrect as digoxin is used to treat tachycardia, not cause it. Choice C, 'Constipation can be a side effect of digoxin,' is incorrect as constipation is not a typical side effect of digoxin. Choice D, 'Urinary retention can be a side effect of digoxin,' is also incorrect as urinary retention is not a common side effect associated with digoxin use.
4. What is a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins, usually in the legs, and can travel to the lungs, causing serious complications?
- A. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- B. Pulmonary embolism
- C. Varicose veins
- D. Peripheral artery disease
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep vein thrombosis occurs when blood clots form in the deep veins, usually in the legs, and these clots can potentially travel to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism (choice B) is a serious complication that can result from untreated DVT. Varicose veins (choice C) and peripheral artery disease (choice D) are not directly related to the formation of blood clots in deep veins that can lead to pulmonary embolism.
5. What procedure involves inserting a needle into the pleural space to remove excess fluid and help the patient breathe more easily?
- A. Thoracentesis
- B. Bronchoscopy
- C. Spirometry
- D. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Thoracentesis is the correct answer. It is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the pleural space to remove excess fluid, aiding in easier breathing. Bronchoscopy (Choice B) is a procedure to visualize the airways and diagnose lung problems, not specifically for fluid drainage. Spirometry (Choice C) is a test to measure lung function, not a procedure for fluid removal. Arterial blood gas (ABG) (Choice D) is a blood test to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, not a procedure for draining fluid from the pleural space.
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