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. The nurse is preparing to administer a beta blocker to a client with hypertension. What is the priority assessment?
- A. Check the client's heart rate.
- B. Check the client's blood pressure.
- C. Check the client's respiratory rate.
- D. Check the client's temperature.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client's blood pressure. Before administering a beta blocker to a client with hypertension, assessing the blood pressure is crucial because beta blockers can cause hypotension, potentially leading to adverse effects. Checking the heart rate may also be important but is secondary to monitoring the blood pressure in this scenario. Respiratory rate and temperature assessments are not directly related to assessing the client's response to a beta blocker in hypertension management, making choices C and D less relevant.
3. The nurse is caring for a client with atrial fibrillation on dabigatran (Pradaxa). What is the most important instruction to give to the client?
- A. Take the medication with food to prevent stomach upset.
- B. Do not miss a dose and take it at the same time each day.
- C. Avoid consuming alcohol while on this medication.
- D. Monitor for signs of bleeding.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most important instruction to give to a client on dabigatran (Pradaxa) is not to miss a dose and take it at the same time each day. This is crucial for maintaining the anticoagulant effect of the medication. Choice A is not necessary as dabigatran does not need to be taken with food. Choice C is important but not as crucial as ensuring proper dosing. Choice D is also important but falls behind in priority compared to maintaining consistent dosing.
4. Which term refers to the relaxation phase of the heart, during which the chambers fill with blood?
- A. Diastole
- B. Systole
- C. Refractoriness
- D. Automaticity
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Diastole. Diastole is the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscles relax, allowing the chambers to fill with blood. Choice B, Systole, is incorrect as systole is the contraction phase of the heart when blood is pumped out of the chambers. Choice C, Refractoriness, refers to a period during which the heart muscle is unresponsive to stimuli. Choice D, Automaticity, relates to the heart's ability to generate its own electrical impulses.
5. The client is on enalapril (Vasotec) for hypertension. What side effect is most commonly associated with this medication?
- A. Dry cough
- B. Hypotension
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Headache
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.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access