ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam
1. What is the ability of cardiac cells to respond to an impulse by transmitting the impulse along cell membranes?
- A. Contractility
- B. Automaticity
- C. Conductivity
- D. Rhythmicity
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Conductivity. Conductivity refers to the ability of cardiac cells to transmit impulses along cell membranes. Contractility (Choice A) is the ability of cardiac cells to contract in response to an electrical stimulus, not transmit impulses. Automaticity (Choice B) is the ability of cardiac cells to spontaneously generate electrical impulses. Rhythmicity (Choice D) refers to the regular generation of electrical impulses by the heart's pacemaker cells, not the transmission of impulses along cell membranes.
2. Which condition occurs when the heart muscle is damaged due to a lack of oxygen, often resulting from a heart attack?
- A. Myocardial infarction
- B. Angina
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Pulmonary embolism
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, is the condition where the heart muscle is damaged due to a lack of oxygen, typically caused by a blocked coronary artery. Angina (choice B) is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Pericarditis (choice C) is the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. Pulmonary embolism (choice D) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, often caused by a blood clot.
3. During which process does coronary artery blood flow to the myocardium occur during diastole, when coronary vascular resistance is reduced?
- A. Coronary perfusion pressure
- B. Coronary vascular resistance
- C. Diastolic filling
- D. Ventricular ejection
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Coronary perfusion pressure. Coronary perfusion pressure refers to the process of coronary artery blood flow to the myocardium during diastole when coronary vascular resistance is reduced. This process ensures that the myocardium receives sufficient oxygen and nutrients for proper functioning. Choice B, Coronary vascular resistance, is the opposite of what is described in the question. During coronary perfusion, resistance is reduced to enhance blood flow. Choices C and D, Diastolic filling and Ventricular ejection, do not directly relate to the process of coronary artery blood flow during diastole.
4. 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.
5. What is the term for a blood clot blocking an artery in the lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain?
- A. Pulmonary embolism
- B. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- C. Myocardial infarction
- D. Pneumothorax
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks an artery, causing symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. Choice B, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), involves a blood clot forming in a deep vein, usually in the legs. Choice C, myocardial infarction, refers to a heart attack due to blocked blood flow to the heart muscle. Choice D, pneumothorax, is a collapsed lung due to air leaking into the chest cavity.
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