this is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time typically 24 to 48 hours
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Cardiovascular System Exam Questions

1. What test measures the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time, typically 24 to 48 hours?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Holter monitor. A Holter monitor is a portable device that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of 24 to 48 hours. It is used to detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions. Choice B, Echocardiogram, is a test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart's structure and function, not focused on the electrical activity. Choice C, Stress test, evaluates the heart's function under stress but does not monitor electrical activity over an extended period. Choice D, Arterial blood gas (ABG), measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, unrelated to measuring the electrical activity of the heart over time.

2. Which condition is characterized by the narrowing or blockage of arteries that supply blood to the heart by plaque?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD specifically refers to the condition where the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup. Choice B, Atherosclerosis, is a general term for the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup but does not specifically mention the heart. Choice C, Peripheral artery disease, involves narrowing of arteries that supply blood to areas other than the heart. Choice D, Congestive heart failure, is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively but is not primarily caused by narrowed or blocked arteries.

3. What term refers to the degree of myocardial fiber stretch before contraction, related to the volume of blood distending the ventricles at the end of diastole, and determined by the amount of venous return?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Preload. Preload is the degree of myocardial fiber stretch before contraction, influenced by the volume of blood returning to the heart. This parameter is related to the amount of blood in the ventricles at the end of diastole. Choice B, Afterload, refers to the pressure or resistance that the ventricles must overcome to eject blood. Choice C, Contractility, is the intrinsic ability of the heart muscle to contract. Choice D, Ejection fraction, is the percentage of blood pumped out of the ventricles with each contraction.

4. This is a type of therapy that involves removing fluid from the lungs, typically through the use of diuretics.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diuretic therapy. Diuretic therapy involves the use of medications that help remove excess fluid from the body, often used to treat conditions like pulmonary edema. Choice B, Oxygen therapy, is used to provide oxygen to patients with breathing difficulties but does not involve removing fluid from the lungs. Choice C, Inhaler therapy, is used to deliver medication directly to the lungs to help with respiratory conditions but does not focus on removing fluid. Choice D, Antihistamine therapy, is used to treat allergies by blocking histamine but is not related to removing fluid from the lungs.

5. The client is receiving digoxin and complains of nausea. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client’s digoxin level (Choice A). Nausea can be a sign of digoxin toxicity, so assessing the digoxin level is crucial to determine if the medication dosage needs adjustment. Continuing the current dose of digoxin (Choice B) may worsen the symptoms if toxicity is present. Administering an antiemetic (Choice C) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue of digoxin toxicity. Discontinuing digoxin immediately (Choice D) without assessing the digoxin level can be harmful if the medication is within the therapeutic range.

Similar Questions

What is a condition where the heart's ability to pump blood is decreased, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body?
What is a condition where the walls of the arteries become thickened and stiff, often due to the buildup of plaque, leading to reduced blood flow?
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?
The nurse is administering a beta blocker to a client with a heart rate of 58 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?
Which structure serves as the normal pacemaker of the heart?

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