this is a procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space to help a patient breathe easier
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Cardiovascular System Practice Exam

1. What is a procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space to help a patient breathe easier?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct! Thoracentesis is the correct answer. It is a procedure where fluid or air is removed from the pleural space in the chest to help the patient breathe more easily. Bronchoscopy (choice B) is a procedure to visualize the airways, while Chest X-ray (choice C) and CT scan (choice D) are imaging tests and do not involve the removal of fluid or air from the pleural space.

2. What is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Heart failure is the correct answer. It is a chronic condition characterized by the heart's inability to pump blood efficiently, resulting in symptoms like fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention. Cardiomyopathy (choice B) refers to diseases of the heart muscle, but it is a broader category that includes various conditions affecting the heart muscle. Pericarditis (choice C) is the inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, and aortic stenosis (choice D) is a condition where the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart.

3. The nurse is giving a client an IV bolus of heparin. What is the most important nursing action?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When administering an IV bolus of heparin, the most important nursing action is to monitor the client's heart rate. Heparin can cause bradycardia as a side effect, making it crucial to assess the heart rate for any abnormalities. Checking the blood pressure (Choice B) is important but not as critical as monitoring the heart rate. While checking for signs of bleeding (Choice C) is essential, it is not the most crucial action when administering heparin. Monitoring the respiratory rate (Choice D) is also important but not as directly related to the potential side effects of heparin as monitoring the heart rate.

4. What is a chronic condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic condition characterized by persistently elevated pressure in the arteries. This condition increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health issues. Hypotension (choice B) refers to low blood pressure and is not the correct answer. Hyperlipidemia (choice C) is high levels of fats in the blood, not related to blood pressure. Hyperglycemia (choice D) is high blood sugar levels, not directly related to elevated blood pressure.

5. Which condition refers to the heart being unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, heart failure. This condition occurs when the heart can't pump enough blood to fulfill the body's requirements. Myocardial infarction (choice B) is the medical term for a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries. Cardiomyopathy (choice C) is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood. Pericarditis (choice D) is the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart, and does not specifically involve the heart's inability to pump sufficient blood.

Similar Questions

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Which condition is characterized by an inability to effectively pump blood, leading to fluid buildup and swelling in the body?
When administering furosemide (Lasix) to a client, which lab value is most important to monitor?
Which artery supplies the anterior wall of the left ventricle, the anterior interventricular septum, the anterior papillary muscles, and apex of the heart?
What is a condition characterized by an abnormal buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue lining the lungs and chest cavity?

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