this is a test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart allowing doctors to assess its structure and function
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Cardiovascular System Exam Questions

1. Which test uses sound waves to create images of the heart, allowing doctors to assess its structure and function?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart, enabling doctors to assess its structure and function. This imaging technique is particularly useful in detecting abnormalities such as valve disease. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because MRI, CT scans, and X-rays use different imaging technologies that do not rely on sound waves to visualize the heart.

2. The client on atorvastatin (Lipitor) should be advised to report which of the following symptoms?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Muscle pain. Muscle pain can be a sign of rhabdomyolysis, a serious side effect of statins like atorvastatin. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition where muscle fibers break down rapidly and release their contents into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney damage. Headache, nausea, and dizziness are not commonly associated with atorvastatin use and are less likely to indicate a serious adverse reaction compared to muscle pain.

3. Which of the following is a central vasodilator and peripheral vasoconstrictor?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is a branch of the autonomic nervous system that is responsible for the fight-or-flight response. It causes vasodilation in central vessels to increase blood flow to vital organs during stress or exercise, while inducing vasoconstriction in peripheral vessels to redirect blood to essential areas. Norepinephrine and acetylcholine are neurotransmitters associated with the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, respectively, but they are not themselves central vasodilators and peripheral vasoconstrictors.

4. A client on spironolactone (Aldactone) has a potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for a client on spironolactone with a potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L is to hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can further elevate potassium levels, which are already high. Administering a potassium supplement (Choice B) would exacerbate the hyperkalemia. Continuing the spironolactone as ordered (Choice C) could lead to worsening hyperkalemia. Increasing the dose of spironolactone (Choice D) would be contraindicated in the presence of elevated potassium levels.

5. What is the amount of blood the heart pumps through the circulatory system in a minute?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiac output. Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute. It is calculated by multiplying the stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped out of the heart in each beat) by the heart rate (number of heartbeats per minute). This question specifically asks for the total amount of blood pumped through the circulatory system in a minute, which is represented by cardiac output. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because stroke volume refers to the amount of blood pumped out of the heart in each beat, end-diastolic volume is the volume of blood in the heart at the end of diastole, and ejection fraction is the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart with each contraction, not the total amount pumped per minute.

Similar Questions

The healthcare provider is monitoring a client receiving lidocaine IV. What side effect is the healthcare provider most concerned about?
What is the procedure where a device is used to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm during a life-threatening arrhythmia?
Which heart chamber receives venous blood returning to the heart via the superior and inferior vena cava?
The nurse is administering enoxaparin (Lovenox) to a client. What is the most important lab value to monitor?
What is a type of pneumonia that is contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets?

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

Other Courses