ATI RN
Physical Exam Cardiovascular System
1. Which neurotransmitter released by the parasympathetic nervous system can decrease heart rate?
- A. Acetylcholine
- B. Norepinephrine
- C. Dopamine
- D. Serotonin
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Acetylcholine is the correct answer. It is a neurotransmitter released by the parasympathetic nervous system that can decrease heart rate. Norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin are neurotransmitters that usually have different effects on the body and are not specifically associated with decreasing heart rate. Norepinephrine, for example, is often related to the fight-or-flight response and can increase heart rate.
2. Which term describes an abnormal heartbeat that can be either too fast or too slow?
- A. Arrhythmia
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Conductivity
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Arrhythmia. Arrhythmia is a broad term that refers to any irregularity in the heart's rhythm, which can manifest as a heartbeat that is too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregular. Choice B, Bradycardia, specifically denotes a slow heart rate, while choice C, Tachycardia, refers to a fast heart rate. Choice D, Conductivity, is not the correct term to describe an abnormal heartbeat characterized by speed irregularities.
3. Which of the following is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing?
- A. Asthma
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Pneumonia
- D. Emphysema
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Asthma is the correct answer. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. These symptoms are often triggered by allergens or exercise. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, but it is not typically chronic or involve the same triggers as asthma. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, and emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often caused by smoking.
4. This is a procedure where a small mesh tube is inserted into an artery to keep it open and improve blood flow.
- A. Stent placement
- B. Angioplasty
- C. Bypass surgery
- D. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Stent placement is a procedure where a small mesh tube (stent) is inserted into an artery to keep it open and improve blood flow, often following angioplasty.
5. The nurse is teaching a client about the side effects of beta blockers. What is the most important side effect to monitor?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Tachycardia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The most important side effect to monitor when a client is on beta blockers is hypotension. Beta blockers can cause a significant drop in blood pressure, especially at the initiation of therapy. Monitoring for hypotension is crucial to prevent complications such as dizziness, syncope, or falls. While bradycardia can also occur with beta blockers, hypotension takes precedence due to its immediate impact on perfusion. Hyperkalemia is not a common side effect of beta blockers. Tachycardia is actually a condition that beta blockers aim to treat, so it is not a side effect to monitor.
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