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. What procedure involves using a balloon to open a narrowed or blocked blood vessel, often followed by the placement of a stent?
- A. Angioplasty
- B. Valve replacement
- C. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
- D. Endarterectomy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Angioplasty. Angioplasty is a procedure that uses a balloon to open a narrowed or blocked blood vessel, often followed by the placement of a stent to maintain vessel patency. Choice B, Valve replacement, involves replacing damaged heart valves, not treating narrowed blood vessels. Choice C, Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), is a procedure to bypass blocked coronary arteries, not directly open them using a balloon. Choice D, Endarterectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove plaque from the inner lining of an artery, not involving the use of a balloon and stent to open a vessel.
3. What test uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart, allowing doctors to see how well the heart is functioning?
- A. Echocardiogram
- B. MRI
- C. CT scan
- D. X-ray
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is an echocardiogram. This test utilizes sound waves to generate images of the heart, enabling doctors to evaluate both the function and structure of the heart. Choice B, MRI, uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body's organs and structures, not specifically focused on the heart. Choice C, CT scan, employs X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body, not primarily for the heart. Choice D, X-ray, uses electromagnetic radiation to produce images of internal structures, but it does not provide the detailed pictures of the heart's function that an echocardiogram does.
4. The nurse is giving digoxin to a client. What is the most important parameter to check before administration?
- A. Heart rate
- B. Blood pressure
- C. Respiratory rate
- D. Oxygen saturation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart rate. Before administering digoxin, it is crucial to check the client's heart rate because digoxin can cause bradycardia, an abnormally slow heart rate. Monitoring the heart rate is essential to prevent potential complications associated with digoxin therapy. Choices B, C, and D are less critical parameters to assess before administering digoxin. While blood pressure is also important to monitor during digoxin therapy, the most crucial parameter to check due to the medication's potential effect on heart rate is the heart rate itself.
5. When administering enoxaparin (Lovenox) to a client for DVT prophylaxis, what is the most important lab value to monitor?
- A. Platelet count
- B. PT/INR
- C. aPTT
- D. Hemoglobin
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count. When administering enoxaparin (Lovenox) for DVT prophylaxis, it is crucial to monitor the platelet count as enoxaparin can lead to thrombocytopenia, a decrease in platelet levels. Monitoring the platelet count helps in early detection of this potential adverse effect. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because PT/INR, aPTT, and hemoglobin levels are not the most important lab values to monitor specifically for enoxaparin administration and DVT prophylaxis.
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