ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam
1. This test measures the amount of blood the heart pumps with each beat, often used to assess heart function.
- A. Ejection fraction
- B. Cardiac output
- C. Stroke volume
- D. End-diastolic volume
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ejection fraction. Ejection fraction is a measure of the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the left ventricle with each beat, used to assess heart function. Choice B, Cardiac output, is the total volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute and is not specific to each beat. Choice C, Stroke volume, is the amount of blood ejected by the heart in one contraction but does not specify the percentage of blood pumped out. Choice D, End-diastolic volume, is the volume of blood in the ventricle just before it contracts and does not directly measure the blood pumped with each beat.
2. What is the term used to describe a condition where the blood flow to the brain is temporarily interrupted, often referred to as a 'mini-stroke'?
- A. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- B. Stroke
- C. Myocardial infarction
- D. Pulmonary embolism
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transient ischemic attack (TIA). A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is often called a 'mini-stroke' because it is characterized by a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, resulting in stroke-like symptoms that typically resolve within a short period. Choice B, 'Stroke,' is incorrect because a stroke involves a more prolonged interruption of blood flow, leading to lasting brain damage. Choices C and D, 'Myocardial infarction' and 'Pulmonary embolism,' are unrelated conditions involving the heart and lungs, respectively, and do not describe a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain.
3. What is a chronic lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema?
- A. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- B. Pneumonia
- C. Asthma
- D. Tuberculosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a chronic lung condition that encompasses chronic bronchitis and emphysema, causing airflow obstruction from the lungs. Pneumonia (choice B) is an infection in the lungs, while asthma (choice C) is characterized by airway inflammation and constriction. Tuberculosis (choice D) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but is distinct from COPD.
4. 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.
5. The nurse is administering a beta blocker to a client with a heart rate of 50 bpm. What is the priority action?
- A. Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the beta blocker as ordered.
- C. Decrease the dose of the beta blocker.
- D. Monitor the client’s heart rate and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct action is to hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 50 bpm is already low, and beta blockers can further decrease the heart rate, potentially causing adverse effects like bradycardia or heart block. Administering the beta blocker as ordered (Choice B) can exacerbate the low heart rate. Decreasing the dose of the beta blocker (Choice C) may not be sufficient to address the potential harm. Monitoring the client’s heart rate and reassessing in 30 minutes (Choice D) may delay necessary interventions if the heart rate drops further. Therefore, the priority is to hold the medication and seek guidance from the healthcare provider.
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