ATI RN
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. What is the buildup of plaque in the arteries that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases?
- A. Atherosclerosis
- B. Arteriosclerosis
- C. Hypertension
- D. Diabetes
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Atherosclerosis is the correct answer. It is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to the narrowing of blood vessels, reduced blood flow, and an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. Arteriosclerosis (choice B) refers to the hardening and thickening of arterial walls, while hypertension (choice C) is high blood pressure, and diabetes (choice D) is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect in the context of the question.
3. This heart condition is characterized by decreased cardiac output and tissue perfusion, which can lead to organ failure.
- A. Cardiogenic shock
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Endocarditis
- D. Pericarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiogenic shock. Cardiogenic shock is a severe condition characterized by the heart's inability to pump enough blood, leading to decreased cardiac output and tissue perfusion, which can result in organ failure. Choice B, Myocardial infarction, specifically refers to a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle. Choices C and D, Endocarditis and Pericarditis, do not directly involve decreased cardiac output leading to organ failure, making them incorrect in the context of the symptoms described in the question.
4. Which heart chamber receives venous blood returning to the heart via the superior and inferior vena cava?
- A. Right atrium
- B. Left atrium
- C. Right ventricle
- D. Left ventricle
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Right atrium. The right atrium is the heart chamber that receives deoxygenated blood returning from the body via the superior and inferior vena cava. The blood enters the right atrium from the vena cava and then passes through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs, the right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs for oxygenation, and the left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the body.
5. The nurse is caring for a heart client on digoxin and notes a potassium level of 2.5. What is the appropriate priority nursing intervention?
- A. Do nothing as this is a normal potassium level.
- B. The potassium level is low so the nurse asks for an order for potassium.
- C. The nurse asks to check the digoxin level as low potassium can increase digoxin toxicity.
- D. The nurse stops the digoxin.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. When caring for a client on digoxin with a low potassium level, the priority nursing intervention is to check the digoxin level. Low potassium can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Checking the digoxin level will help determine if any adjustments to the medication regimen are needed to prevent potential harm. Choice A is incorrect as a potassium level of 2.5 is low, not normal. Choice B is not the priority as simply giving potassium may not address the underlying issue of potential digoxin toxicity. Choice D is not the initial action to take without assessing the digoxin level first.
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