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 a surgical procedure to create an opening in the windpipe to assist with breathing?
- A. Tracheostomy
- B. Lobectomy
- C. Thoracotomy
- D. Pleurodesis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Tracheostomy is the correct answer. It is a surgical procedure to create an opening in the windpipe (trachea) to assist with breathing. This procedure is commonly used for patients who require long-term ventilation support. Choice B, Lobectomy, involves the removal of a lobe of the lung and is not related to creating an opening in the windpipe. Choice C, Thoracotomy, is a surgical incision into the chest wall and is not specifically related to creating an opening in the windpipe. Choice D, Pleurodesis, is a procedure to treat recurrent pleural effusions by causing the pleural layers to stick together, and it is not related to creating an opening in the windpipe.
3. 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.
4. What is a condition where the lungs become stiff and scarred, making it difficult to breathe and get enough oxygen into the bloodstream?
- A. Pulmonary fibrosis
- B. Pulmonary edema
- C. Pulmonary embolism
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition characterized by the stiffening and scarring of the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and impairing the transfer of oxygen into the bloodstream. Pulmonary edema refers to fluid accumulation in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties due to fluid filling the air sacs. Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, often caused by a blood clot. Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, which can lead to strain on the heart and affect oxygen levels in the blood.
5. The client is on a beta blocker for hypertension. What should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Tachycardia
- C. Hypertension
- D. Respiratory distress
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: When a client is on a beta blocker for hypertension, the nurse should monitor for bradycardia. Beta blockers are known to decrease heart rate, which can lead to bradycardia. Tachycardia (choice B) is unlikely as beta blockers have the opposite effect. Hypertension (choice C) is the condition being treated, not a side effect of beta blockers. Respiratory distress (choice D) is not a common effect of beta blockers and is not typically monitored in clients taking beta blockers.
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