ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam
1. What test measures the pressure in the arteries during the contraction and relaxation of the heart?
- A. Blood pressure test
- B. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- C. Spirometry
- D. Pulse oximetry
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Blood pressure test.' This test measures the pressure in the arteries during the contraction (systolic) and relaxation (diastolic) phases of the heart, providing important information about heart health. Choice B, 'Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG),' records the heart's electrical activity and is not specifically related to measuring arterial pressure. Choice C, 'Spirometry,' assesses lung function by measuring airflow. Choice D, 'Pulse oximetry,' measures oxygen saturation in the blood, not arterial pressure.
2. Which condition is characterized by the narrowing or blockage of arteries that supply blood to the heart by plaque?
- A. Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- B. Atherosclerosis
- C. Peripheral artery disease
- D. Congestive heart failure
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. Which condition is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid?
- A. Pneumonia
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Tuberculosis
- D. Cystic fibrosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus, causing symptoms like cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. Bronchitis (choice B) is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not the air sacs in the lungs. Tuberculosis (choice C) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but does not always cause fluid accumulation in the air sacs. Cystic fibrosis (choice D) is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs but does not directly cause inflammation of the air sacs with fluid.
4. What is the procedure where a device is used to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm during a life-threatening arrhythmia?
- A. Defibrillation
- B. Cardioversion
- C. Echocardiogram
- D. Ablation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Defibrillation. Defibrillation is the procedure of using a device to deliver an electric shock to the heart during life-threatening arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia to restore a normal rhythm. Choice B, Cardioversion, is similar but is typically used for less severe arrhythmias. Choice C, Echocardiogram, is a diagnostic test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. Choice D, Ablation, is a procedure to treat certain types of arrhythmias by scarring or destroying tissue that triggers abnormal electrical signals.
5. Which medication is used to prevent blood clots by thinning the blood, reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack?
- A. Anticoagulant
- B. ACE inhibitor
- C. Beta-blocker
- D. Calcium channel blocker
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Anticoagulant.' Anticoagulants are medications specifically designed to prevent blood clots by thinning the blood, which effectively reduces the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular events. Choices B, C, and D, which are ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers, respectively, do not have the primary mechanism of action to prevent blood clot formation. ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers are commonly used for managing hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions by different mechanisms of action.
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