this is the ability of cardiac cells to respond to a stimulus by initiating a cardiac impulse

ATI RN

Physical Exam Cardiovascular System

1. What is the term for the ability of cardiac cells to respond to a stimulus by initiating a cardiac impulse?

A. Excitability
B. Contractility
C. Rhythmicity
D. Conductivity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Excitability. Excitability is the ability of cardiac cells to respond to a stimulus by initiating a cardiac impulse. Choice B, Contractility, refers to the ability of cardiac muscle to shorten forcibly. Choice C, Rhythmicity, refers to the cardiac muscle's ability to contract rhythmically. Choice D, Conductivity, refers to the ability of the heart's cells to conduct electrical impulses.

2. What is a condition where the right side of the heart fails due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, often caused by chronic lung disease?

A. Cor pulmonale
B. Heart failure
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Myocarditis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cor pulmonale is the correct answer. It is a condition where the right side of the heart fails due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, often caused by chronic lung disease such as COPD. Pulmonary embolism (choice C) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs. Myocarditis (choice D) is inflammation of the heart muscle. While heart failure (choice B) is a broad term that can involve the failure of either the right or left side of the heart.

3. What is the approximate stroke volume of the heart?

A. Approximately 60 mL of blood per beat
B. Approximately 70 mL of blood per beat
C. Approximately 80 mL of blood per beat
D. Approximately 90 mL of blood per beat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Approximately 70 mL of blood per beat. The stroke volume of the heart is typically around 70 mL, indicating the volume of blood ejected from the left ventricle with each contraction. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the standard approximate stroke volume of the heart, which is around 70 mL per beat.

4. This is a test that measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood, often used to assess respiratory function.

A. Pulse oximetry
B. Spirometry
C. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
D. Lung function test

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pulse oximetry. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive test that measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood, helping to assess respiratory and cardiovascular function. Choice B, Spirometry, measures lung function by assessing airflow and volume. Choice C, Arterial blood gas (ABG), evaluates the acidity, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Choice D, Lung function test, is a broad term that may include various tests to assess lung health, but specifically measuring oxygen saturation is done through pulse oximetry.

5. The client on furosemide (Lasix) is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?

A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypernatremia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss, resulting in hypokalemia. This electrolyte imbalance is a significant risk associated with diuretic use. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Hyperkalemia (choice A) is not typically associated with furosemide use. Hyponatremia (choice C) and hypernatremia (choice D) are related to sodium levels, not potassium levels affected by furosemide.