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Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers
1. What procedure uses a balloon to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the heart?
- A. Angioplasty
- B. Coronary artery bypass graft
- C. Stent placement
- D. Valve replacement
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Angioplasty. Angioplasty is a procedure that involves using a balloon to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the heart, thereby improving blood flow. This choice is correct because it directly matches the description provided in the question. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they involve different procedures: Bypass graft is a surgical procedure to redirect blood flow, stent placement involves inserting a mesh tube to keep an artery open, and valve replacement is the surgical replacement of a heart valve.
2. The client on amiodarone reports shortness of breath. What is the nurse’s best response?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
- B. Reassure the client that this is a common side effect.
- C. Instruct the client to monitor their symptoms at home.
- D. Suggest the client reduce physical activity.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a client on amiodarone reports shortness of breath, it can be indicative of pulmonary toxicity, a severe side effect associated with this medication. The nurse's priority is to notify the healthcare provider immediately to assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action. Choice B is incorrect because shortness of breath with amiodarone should not be dismissed as a common side effect. Instructing the client to monitor symptoms at home (Choice C) may delay necessary intervention. Suggesting the client reduce physical activity (Choice D) does not address the potential serious nature of the symptom and the need for prompt evaluation.
3. What is the primary effect of a calcium channel blocker on the heart?
- A. Decreases heart rate
- B. Increases heart rate
- C. Increases blood pressure
- D. Decreases blood pressure
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreases blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers primarily work by relaxing blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. While these medications can have secondary effects on the heart, such as reducing the workload of the heart muscle, the primary effect related to blood pressure regulation. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not reflect the primary action of calcium channel blockers on the heart.
4. Which condition is caused by a bacterium that primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body?
- A. Tuberculosis
- B. Pneumonia
- C. Legionnaires' disease
- D. Histoplasmosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but can spread to other organs. Choice B, Pneumonia, is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. Choice C, Legionnaires' disease, is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria. Choice D, Histoplasmosis, is a fungal infection caused by inhaling spores of the Histoplasma capsulatum fungus.
5. What is the procedure where a catheter is used to open a blocked or narrowed coronary artery, often involving the placement of a stent?
- A. Angioplasty
- B. Valve replacement
- C. Stent placement
- D. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Angioplasty. Angioplasty is a procedure where a catheter is used to open a blocked or narrowed coronary artery, often involving the placement of a stent to keep the artery open and improve blood flow to the heart. Choice B, Valve replacement, is incorrect as it involves replacing a heart valve, not opening a blocked artery. Choice C, Stent placement, is similar to angioplasty but not as specific, as it does not involve the catheter-based procedure. Choice D, Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), is a different procedure where blocked arteries are bypassed using a blood vessel from another part of the body.
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