ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers
1. What procedure uses a catheter to open blocked coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart muscle?
- A. Angioplasty
- B. Stent placement
- C. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
- D. Valve replacement
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Angioplasty. Angioplasty is a procedure where a catheter is used to open blocked coronary arteries and may involve the insertion of a stent to improve blood flow to the heart muscle. Stent placement (B) is a related procedure but specifically refers to the insertion of a stent. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) (C) is a surgical procedure that uses blood vessels to bypass blocked coronary arteries. Valve replacement (D) is a different procedure that involves replacing a heart valve, not opening blocked coronary arteries.
2. What is the condition where the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, causing pain and difficulty walking?
- A. Peripheral artery disease
- B. Raynaud's disease
- C. Varicose veins
- D. Pulmonary embolism
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is a condition where the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, leading to decreased blood flow, pain, and difficulty walking, especially during physical activity. Raynaud's disease (choice B) is characterized by vasospasms in the fingers and toes, causing them to turn white or blue. Varicose veins (choice C) are enlarged, twisted veins usually found in the legs. Pulmonary embolism (choice D) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, often caused by a blood clot.
3. A client on a beta blocker has a heart rate of 52 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the beta blocker as ordered.
- C. Increase the dose of the beta blocker.
- D. Continue to monitor the client and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 52 bpm is low, and beta blockers can further decrease the heart rate, potentially causing harm. Therefore, withholding the medication and promptly informing the healthcare provider is crucial for further assessment and possible adjustment of the treatment plan. Administering the beta blocker as ordered (Choice B) can exacerbate the bradycardia. Increasing the dose of the beta blocker (Choice C) would further suppress the heart rate. Continuing to monitor the client and reassessing in 30 minutes (Choice D) might delay necessary interventions and increase the risk of complications in a client with a heart rate of 52 bpm.
4. What type of heart disease is characterized by the heart muscle becoming enlarged and weakened, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively?
- A. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- B. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Myocarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dilated cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a type of heart disease where the heart muscle becomes enlarged and weakened, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively, which can lead to heart failure. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (B) is characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, not enlargement. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (C) involves the heart muscle becoming stiff and less flexible, limiting its ability to fill with blood properly. Myocarditis (D) is inflammation of the heart muscle, which can affect the heart's function but is different from dilated cardiomyopathy.
5. Which condition involves the enlargement and weakening of the left ventricle of the heart, leading to reduced pumping ability?
- A. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- B. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Pericarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dilated cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by the enlargement and weakening of the left ventricle of the heart, which results in a reduced ability to pump blood effectively. Choice B, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, involves thickening of the heart muscle, not enlargement. Choice C, Restrictive cardiomyopathy, is characterized by stiffening of the heart muscle, not enlargement. Choice D, Pericarditis, refers to inflammation of the pericardium, the lining surrounding the heart, and does not involve enlargement and weakening of the left ventricle.
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