ATI RN
Physical Exam Cardiovascular System
1. Which procedure is used to remove excess fluid or air from the pleural space, helping to relieve pressure on the lungs?
- A. Thoracentesis
- B. Bronchoscopy
- C. Chest X-ray
- D. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Thoracentesis. Thoracentesis is a procedure specifically designed to remove excess fluid or air from the pleural space in the chest. This process helps to relieve pressure on the lungs and improve breathing. Bronchoscopy (Choice B) is a procedure used to visualize the airways and diagnose lung conditions, not to remove fluid from the pleural space. Chest X-ray (Choice C) is an imaging test that provides a picture of the structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart, and bones. Arterial blood gas (ABG) test (Choice D) is a blood test that measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, providing information about how well the lungs are working, but it does not involve removing excess fluid or air from the pleural space.
2. What is a condition where a blood clot forms in a vein, often in the legs, which can cause pain and swelling and may lead to serious complications if it travels to the lungs?
- A. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- B. Pulmonary embolism
- C. Varicose veins
- D. Aneurysm
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the correct answer. It is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. If the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism. Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that are not typically associated with blood clots. Aneurysm is the abnormal swelling or bulging of a blood vessel.
3. What is a severe allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing and shock?
- A. Anaphylaxis
- B. Asthma attack
- C. Bronchospasm
- D. Hypersensitivity
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Anaphylaxis is the correct answer. It is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can lead to difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. An asthma attack is a separate condition characterized by narrowed airways and difficulty breathing, but it is not necessarily related to an allergic reaction like anaphylaxis. Bronchospasm refers to the sudden constriction of muscles in the bronchi, leading to breathing difficulties, and is not specific to allergic reactions. Hypersensitivity is a general term for an exaggerated immune response to a substance, which may or may not manifest as severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis.
4. Which term refers to the ability of the heart to initiate impulses repetitively and spontaneously?
- A. Contractility
- B. Excitability
- C. Automaticity
- D. Rhythmicity
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Automaticity. Automaticity is the specific term used to describe the heart's ability to generate impulses repetitively and spontaneously. Contractility (A) refers to the ability of muscle fibers to contract, not the initiation of impulses. Excitability (B) is the ability of cells to respond to stimuli but is not specific to the heart's impulse generation. Rhythmicity (D) is a related term but does not specifically describe the heart's spontaneous impulse initiation.
5. What is a condition where the heart muscle is weakened and unable to pump blood effectively, often leading to heart failure?
- A. Cardiomyopathy
- B. Myocarditis
- C. Endocarditis
- D. Pericarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Cardiomyopathy is the correct answer. In cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle becomes weak and cannot pump blood effectively, which can lead to heart failure. Myocarditis (choice B) is inflammation of the heart muscle, not specifically causing muscle weakness. Endocarditis (choice C) is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. Pericarditis (choice D) is inflammation of the pericardium, the outer lining of the heart.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access