this is a rare but serious condition where the pulmonary arteries become narrowed increasing the blood pressure in the lungs

ATI RN

Cardiovascular System Practice Exam

1. Which of the following is a rare but serious condition where the pulmonary arteries become narrowed, increasing the blood pressure in the lungs?

A. Pulmonary hypertension
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Pulmonary fibrosis
D. Aortic stenosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension is a rare but serious condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, which can lead to heart failure. Pulmonary embolism (choice B) involves a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. Pulmonary fibrosis (choice C) is a lung disease that causes lung tissue scarring. Aortic stenosis (choice D) is a condition where the aortic valve narrows, affecting blood flow from the heart.

2. What is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed due to the buildup of plaque?

A. Atherosclerosis
B. Aneurysm
C. Arrhythmia
D. Peripheral artery disease

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Atherosclerosis is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries supplying blood to the heart due to plaque buildup. This condition increases the risk of heart attacks. Choice B, aneurysm, refers to a balloon-like bulge in an artery, not the hardening and narrowing of arteries. Choice C, arrhythmia, is an irregular heartbeat and not related to arterial hardening. Choice D, peripheral artery disease, involves the narrowing of arteries that supply blood to the limbs, not specifically to the heart.

3. The client is given an alpha agonist. What might it be used for?

A. For hemostasis
B. To dilate the arteries
C. To dilate the veins
D. To decrease afterload

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Alpha agonists are used for hemostasis to help control bleeding by constricting blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow to the area. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as alpha agonists do not typically dilate arteries, dilate veins, or decrease afterload.

4. The client is on furosemide (Lasix) and has a potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

A. Administer potassium supplements.
B. Hold the furosemide and notify the healthcare provider.
C. Continue the current dose of furosemide.
D. Decrease the dose of furosemide.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer potassium supplements. A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss. Therefore, the priority action is to administer potassium supplements to correct the imbalance. Option B is incorrect because holding the furosemide without addressing the low potassium level could further worsen the imbalance. Option C is incorrect as continuing the current dose of furosemide without addressing the low potassium level could lead to complications. Option D is incorrect because decreasing the dose of furosemide does not directly address the low potassium level that needs immediate correction.

5. Which type of lung cancer is strongly associated with exposure to asbestos?

A. Mesothelioma
B. Adenocarcinoma
C. Squamous cell carcinoma
D. Small cell lung cancer

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Mesothelioma. This type of lung cancer is indeed strongly associated with exposure to asbestos, affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen. Adenocarcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, and Small cell lung cancer are not primarily linked to asbestos exposure, making them incorrect choices for this question.