ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. Which type of medication is used to reduce the workload on the heart by slowing down the heart rate and lowering blood pressure?
- A. Beta-blocker
- B. ACE inhibitor
- C. Calcium channel blocker
- D. Diuretic
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Beta-blocker. Beta-blockers are medications that reduce the workload on the heart by slowing down the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. They are commonly used in the treatment of heart conditions such as hypertension and heart failure. ACE inhibitors (B) work by dilating blood vessels to reduce blood pressure, calcium channel blockers (C) prevent calcium from entering the heart muscle and blood vessel walls, and diuretics (D) help the body get rid of excess salt and water by increasing urine production.
2. Which condition is characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle?
- A. Angina
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Arrhythmia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Angina. Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often due to coronary artery disease. Choice B, Myocardial infarction, involves the death of heart muscle tissue due to a lack of blood supply, presenting with symptoms similar to angina but more severe. Pericarditis (Choice C) is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, which may cause chest pain but is not primarily due to reduced blood flow. Arrhythmia (Choice D) refers to abnormal heart rhythms but is not directly related to chest pain due to reduced blood flow.
3. What is a condition where a blood clot forms in a vein, often in the legs, which can cause pain and swelling and may lead to serious complications if it travels to the lungs?
- A. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- B. Pulmonary embolism
- C. Varicose veins
- D. Aneurysm
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the correct answer. It is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. If the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism. Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that are not typically associated with blood clots. Aneurysm is the abnormal swelling or bulging of a blood vessel.
4. The client is on amiodarone. What is the most important side effect to monitor for?
- A. Pulmonary toxicity
- B. Thyroid dysfunction
- C. Liver toxicity
- D. Renal dysfunction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary toxicity. Amiodarone is known for causing serious pulmonary toxicity, which can be fatal. Monitoring for pulmonary toxicity is crucial due to its potential severity. Choice B, thyroid dysfunction, is a common side effect of amiodarone but is not as immediately life-threatening as pulmonary toxicity. Choices C and D, liver toxicity and renal dysfunction, are potential side effects of amiodarone but are not as critical or as common as pulmonary toxicity, making them less important to monitor initially.
5. What condition is characterized by the inflammation of the pleura, causing sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing?
- A. Pleurisy
- B. Pericarditis
- C. Endocarditis
- D. Myocarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Pleurisy. Pleurisy is the inflammation of the pleura, the lining surrounding the lungs, which causes sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing. Pericarditis (choice B) is the inflammation of the pericardium, the sac around the heart, which typically causes chest pain that worsens when lying down. Endocarditis (choice C) is the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, leading to symptoms like fever, fatigue, and abnormal heart sounds. Myocarditis (choice D) is inflammation of the heart muscle, which can cause symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
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