ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. What type of medication is used to relax the muscles around the airways and improve breathing in conditions like asthma and COPD?
- A. Bronchodilator
- B. Corticosteroid
- C. Mucolytic
- D. Antihistamine
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Bronchodilators are medications that relax the muscles around the airways, improving airflow and making breathing easier for patients with asthma or COPD. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce airway inflammation, while mucolytics help in thinning and clearing mucus. Antihistamines are used to treat allergies and not specifically to improve breathing in conditions like asthma or COPD.
2. What is a condition where the heart's electrical impulses are delayed or blocked, leading to a slower or irregular heartbeat?
- A. Heart block
- B. Tachycardia
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Arrhythmia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Heart block is the correct answer because it specifically refers to a condition where the heart's electrical impulses are delayed or blocked, resulting in a slower or irregular heartbeat. Tachycardia (choice B) is a condition characterized by a fast heart rate, Bradycardia (choice C) is a slow heart rate, and Arrhythmia (choice D) is a general term used to describe any abnormal heart rhythm, which may or may not involve delays or blocks in electrical impulses.
3. For what reason might the nurse be given an order to administer milrinone (Primacor)?
- A. For congestive heart failure
- B. For hypertension
- C. For cardiac arrhythmias
- D. For bradycardia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Milrinone is commonly prescribed for congestive heart failure to help improve cardiac function and alleviate symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as milrinone is not typically used for hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, or bradycardia. It is specifically indicated for congestive heart failure for short-term management.
4. 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.
5. What is a chronic condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Hypotension
- C. Hyperlipidemia
- D. Hyperglycemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic condition characterized by persistently elevated pressure in the arteries. This condition increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health issues. Hypotension (choice B) refers to low blood pressure and is not the correct answer. Hyperlipidemia (choice C) is high levels of fats in the blood, not related to blood pressure. Hyperglycemia (choice D) is high blood sugar levels, not directly related to elevated blood pressure.
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