this is a procedure used to remove fluid from the pleural space to help a patient breathe more easily
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Cardiovascular System Exam

1. What procedure is used to remove fluid from the pleural space to help a patient breathe more easily?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Thoracentesis is the correct answer. It is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the pleural space to drain fluid, relieving pressure and helping the patient breathe more easily. Bronchoscopy (choice B) is a procedure used to examine the airways, not to drain fluid. An echocardiogram (choice C) is an imaging test to assess the heart's structure and function, not related to draining pleural fluid. A CT scan (choice D) is a cross-sectional imaging test that provides detailed pictures of the inside of the body, not used for draining pleural fluid.

2. What is a condition where the pulmonary arteries become blocked by a blood clot, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is a condition where a blood clot blocks one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, resulting in symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and other related signs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because pneumothorax refers to a collapsed lung, pulmonary edema is the build-up of fluid in the lungs, and pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs - none of which directly involve a blood clot blocking the pulmonary arteries.

3. Which heart chamber receives venous blood returning to the heart via the superior and inferior vena cava?

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.

4. The client is on enalapril (Vasotec) for hypertension. What side effect is most commonly associated with this medication?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dry cough. A dry cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors like enalapril. ACE inhibitors can cause the accumulation of bradykinin, leading to irritation of the respiratory tract and resulting in a persistent dry cough. Hypotension (choice B) is a possible side effect of ACE inhibitors but is less common than a dry cough. Hyperkalemia (choice C) is another side effect of ACE inhibitors, but it is not the most commonly associated one. Headache (choice D) is not a common side effect of enalapril compared to a dry cough. Therefore, the most commonly associated side effect with enalapril is a dry cough.

5. What is a condition where the heart muscle is weakened and unable to pump blood effectively, often leading to heart failure?

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

Which condition is caused by a bacterium that primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body?
Which medication relaxes the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe?
Which type of heart disease involves the stiffening of the heart muscle, reducing its ability to relax and fill with blood?
What procedure uses a catheter to open blocked coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart muscle?
The client is on warfarin and has an INR of 1.5. What is the nurse’s priority action?

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