ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. What test measures the electrical activity of the heart over a 24- or 48-hour period?
- A. Holter monitor
- B. Electrocardiogram
- C. Stress test
- D. Chest X-ray
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Holter monitor. A Holter monitor is a portable device that continuously records the heart's electrical activity over 24 to 48 hours, aiding in the diagnosis of arrhythmias and other heart conditions. Choice B, an Electrocardiogram, provides a snapshot of the heart's electrical activity at a specific point in time, not over an extended period like a Holter monitor. Choice C, a Stress test, measures how the heart responds to physical activity and is not used for continuous monitoring of electrical activity. Choice D, a Chest X-ray, is used to visualize the structures of the chest, not to measure the heart's electrical activity.
2. What test measures the pressure inside the arteries as the heart pumps blood?
- A. Blood pressure test
- B. Pulse oximetry
- C. Echocardiogram
- D. Spirometry
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Blood pressure test. A blood pressure test is specifically designed to measure the pressure inside the arteries as the heart pumps blood. This test is crucial in providing information about cardiovascular health by determining the force of blood against the artery walls. Choice B, Pulse oximetry, measures oxygen saturation in the blood, not blood pressure. Choice C, Echocardiogram, is an ultrasound test that evaluates the structure and function of the heart, not specifically blood pressure. Choice D, Spirometry, is a test used to assess lung function, not blood pressure.
3. What is a chronic condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Hypotension
- C. Hyperlipidemia
- D. Hyperglycemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic condition characterized by persistently elevated pressure in the arteries. This condition increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health issues. Hypotension (choice B) refers to low blood pressure and is not the correct answer. Hyperlipidemia (choice C) is high levels of fats in the blood, not related to blood pressure. Hyperglycemia (choice D) is high blood sugar levels, not directly related to elevated blood pressure.
4. Which medication relaxes the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe?
- A. Bronchodilator
- B. Corticosteroid
- C. Antihistamine
- D. Mucolytic
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Bronchodilator. Bronchodilators are medications that relax the muscles surrounding the airways, which helps to open them and makes breathing easier. Corticosteroids (choice B) work by reducing inflammation, antihistamines (choice C) are used to manage allergies, and mucolytics (choice D) help to break down and thin mucus in the airways.
5. Which test measures how much and how quickly you can move air out of your lungs?
- A. Spirometry
- B. Peak flow meter
- C. Lung volume test
- D. Arterial blood gas
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Spirometry. Spirometry is a common pulmonary function test that measures lung function by assessing the amount (volume) and speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. This test helps in diagnosing conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other lung diseases. Peak flow meter (choice B) measures the maximum speed at which a person can exhale air, mainly used in asthma management. Lung volume test (choice C) evaluates the total amount of air the lungs can hold. Arterial blood gas (choice D) measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, providing information on how well the lungs are functioning in gas exchange, but it does not specifically measure the amount and speed of air movement in and out of the lungs like spirometry does.
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