this is a test that evaluates the hearts response to physical stress often involving exercise on a treadmill while monitoring the heart
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Physical Exam Cardiovascular System

1. What test evaluates the heart's response to physical stress, often involving exercise on a treadmill while monitoring the heart?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A stress test, also known as an exercise stress test, evaluates the heart's response to physical stress by monitoring its activity during exercise, typically on a treadmill. This test helps assess the heart's performance, detect coronary artery disease, and evaluate the effectiveness of heart treatments. Echocardiogram (choice B) is an ultrasound of the heart that provides detailed images of the heart's structure and function, but it does not involve physical stress like a stress test. Holter monitor (choice C) is a device for continuously monitoring the heart's rhythm and rate over a period (usually 24-48 hours), not during exercise. CT angiography (choice D) is a diagnostic test that uses X-rays to visualize blood vessels but does not involve physical stress like a stress test.

2. What type of heart disease is characterized by the heart muscle becoming enlarged and weakened, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively?

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.

3. Which valve prevents backflow of blood into the left ventricle from the aorta?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Aortic valve. The aortic valve is positioned between the left ventricle and the aorta. It prevents blood from flowing back into the left ventricle after it has been pumped into the aorta. The mitral valve (Choice B) is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle, the tricuspid valve (Choice C) is between the right atrium and right ventricle, and the pulmonary valve (Choice D) is situated between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. Therefore, they are not responsible for preventing backflow from the aorta into the left ventricle.

4. The client is on digoxin and has severe digoxin toxicity. What is the nursing priority action?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to give Digibind as an antidote in cases of severe digoxin toxicity. Digibind works by binding to digoxin and preventing it from causing further harm. Checking the potassium level (choice A) is important but not the priority when the client has severe toxicity. Changing the dosing to every other day (choice C) is not appropriate in the setting of severe toxicity where immediate action is required. Giving a potassium supplement (choice D) may be needed eventually, but the priority is to administer Digibind to counteract the toxic effects of digoxin.

5. What is the term that describes the inability of cardiac cells to respond to a new stimulus while they are still in contraction from a previous stimulus?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Refractoriness is the correct term to describe the inability of cardiac cells to respond to a new stimulus while they are still in contraction from a previous stimulus. This period is essential for the heart to complete its contraction and relaxation phases without interference. Excitability refers to the ability of cells to respond to stimuli, not the inability to respond. Contractility is the force of cardiac muscle contraction, and automaticity is the ability of cardiac cells to generate electrical impulses spontaneously, which are not relevant to the described scenario.

Similar Questions

What procedure involves using a catheter to create a small scar in the heart tissue to block abnormal electrical signals and restore normal heart rhythm?
What is a surgical procedure where a blood vessel is grafted to bypass a blocked coronary artery, improving blood flow to the heart muscle?
Which condition involves the enlargement and weakening of the left ventricle of the heart, leading to reduced pumping ability?
What is the narrowing of the arteries due to the buildup of plaque, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes?
What is a condition where the heart muscle is weakened and unable to pump blood effectively, often leading to heart failure?

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