this is a test that measures the time it takes for the electrical impulse to travel from the atria to the ventricles
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Cardiovascular System Exam

1. What does the PR interval measure?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The PR interval measures the time it takes for the electrical impulse to travel from the atria to the ventricles. It is crucial in diagnosing heart rhythm disorders, as abnormalities in this interval can indicate conduction abnormalities between the atria and ventricles. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization, the QT interval represents the duration of ventricular repolarization, and the ST segment represents the time between ventricular depolarization and repolarization.

2. What is a condition characterized by episodes of severe, acute shortness of breath, often occurring at night?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is the correct answer. It is characterized by sudden episodes of severe shortness of breath during sleep, often waking the individual. Choice B, Sleep apnea, involves pauses in breathing during sleep but does not usually present with acute shortness of breath. Choice C, Orthopnea, refers to shortness of breath that occurs when lying flat and is relieved by sitting up. Choice D, Dyspnea, is a general term for difficult or labored breathing and does not specifically describe acute episodes at night.

3. The client is on a calcium channel blocker. What is the expected effect on the heart?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client is on a calcium channel blocker, the expected effect on the heart is a decreased heart rate and decreased blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers work by dilating blood vessels and reducing the heart's workload, resulting in decreased blood pressure. Choice A, increased heart rate, is incorrect as calcium channel blockers actually have a negative chronotropic effect, reducing the heart rate. Choice C, increased blood pressure, is also incorrect because these medications are used to lower blood pressure.

4. Which type of lung cancer begins in the cells lining the bronchi and bronchioles?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Adenocarcinoma is the correct answer because it is a type of lung cancer that originates in the cells lining the bronchi and bronchioles. Adenocarcinoma is one of the most common types of lung cancer, often found in non-smokers and more frequently in women. Small cell lung cancer (Choice B) typically starts in the bronchi, but it is characterized by its rapid growth and tendency to spread quickly. Squamous cell carcinoma (Choice C) usually begins in the squamous cells lining the bronchi and is strongly associated with smoking. Mesothelioma (Choice D) is a cancer that affects the lining of certain organs like the lungs, often caused by asbestos exposure, but it does not specifically start in the cells lining the bronchi and bronchioles.

5. What is the condition where the lung collapses due to air leaking into the space between the lung and chest wall?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pneumothorax is the correct answer. It is the collapse of a lung due to air leaking into the space between the lung and chest wall. This condition often requires emergency treatment. Choice B, Pleural effusion, is the buildup of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lung, not air. Choice C, Pulmonary fibrosis, is a lung disease characterized by scarring and thickening of lung tissue, not related to lung collapse. Choice D, Lung cancer, is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lung, not directly causing lung collapse.

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