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. The healthcare provider is monitoring a client on an ACE inhibitor. What lab value is most important to monitor?
- A. Potassium
- B. Sodium
- C. Creatinine
- D. Calcium
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium. When a client is on an ACE inhibitor, it is crucial to monitor potassium levels because ACE inhibitors can lead to an increase in potassium, potentially causing hyperkalemia. Monitoring sodium levels (Choice B) is not as critical in this scenario. Creatinine levels (Choice C) are important for assessing kidney function but are not the most crucial lab value to monitor with ACE inhibitors. Calcium levels (Choice D) are not directly affected by ACE inhibitors and are not the priority for monitoring in this case.
3. What is the ability of cardiac cells to respond to an impulse by contracting?
- A. Excitability
- B. Contractility
- C. Rhythmicity
- D. Conductivity
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Excitability is the correct term that describes the ability of cardiac cells to respond to an impulse by contracting. Excitability refers to the cell's ability to respond to stimuli and generate an action potential. Choice B, Contractility, is incorrect as it refers to the ability of cardiac cells to contract after receiving a stimulus, not the response to the impulse itself. Choice C, Rhythmicity, is incorrect as it pertains to the heart's ability to contract rhythmically without external stimulation. Choice D, Conductivity, is incorrect as it refers to the ability of cardiac cells to transmit an impulse from cell to cell, not the direct response to the impulse by contracting.
4. Which condition is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways resulting in excess mucus production, leading to frequent coughing and breathing difficulties?
- A. Chronic bronchitis
- B. Asthma
- C. Pneumonia
- D. COPD
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis involves long-term inflammation of the bronchi, leading to excessive mucus production, frequent coughing, and breathing difficulties. Asthma (B) is characterized by reversible airway obstruction and bronchospasms. Pneumonia (C) is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. COPD (D) is a term used to describe chronic lung diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.
5. Which condition is characterized by the weakening and rupture of the walls of the alveoli in the lungs, reducing the surface area available for gas exchange?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Atelectasis
- D. Pulmonary fibrosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Emphysema. Emphysema is a lung condition where the walls of the alveoli become weak and rupture, reducing the surface area available for gas exchange. This leads to shortness of breath. Choice B, Bronchitis, is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not the alveoli. Choice C, Atelectasis, involves the collapse of a part or entire lung, not the weakening and rupture of alveolar walls. Choice D, Pulmonary fibrosis, is a condition where lung tissue becomes thickened and stiff, not involving the weakening and rupture of alveoli walls.
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