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. What type of stroke is caused by a blockage in an artery supplying blood to the brain?
- A. Ischemic stroke
- B. Hemorrhagic stroke
- C. Transient ischemic attack
- D. Embolism
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain, leading to brain damage. Choice B, Hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by bleeding in the brain, not a blockage. Choice C, Transient ischemic attack, is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain with symptoms similar to a stroke but typically lasting only a few minutes. Choice D, Embolism, refers to a blood clot or other particle that travels through the bloodstream and blocks a blood vessel.
3. What procedure is used to remove fluid from the pleural space to help a patient breathe more easily?
- A. Thoracentesis
- B. Bronchoscopy
- C. Echocardiogram
- D. CT scan
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Thoracentesis is the correct answer. It is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the pleural space to drain fluid, relieving pressure and helping the patient breathe more easily. Bronchoscopy (choice B) is a procedure used to examine the airways, not to drain fluid. An echocardiogram (choice C) is an imaging test to assess the heart's structure and function, not related to draining pleural fluid. A CT scan (choice D) is a cross-sectional imaging test that provides detailed pictures of the inside of the body, not used for draining pleural fluid.
4. What is a chronic lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema?
- A. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- B. Pneumonia
- C. Asthma
- D. Tuberculosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a chronic lung condition that encompasses chronic bronchitis and emphysema, causing airflow obstruction from the lungs. Pneumonia (choice B) is an infection in the lungs, while asthma (choice C) is characterized by airway inflammation and constriction. Tuberculosis (choice D) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but is distinct from COPD.
5. The client is on nitroglycerin and reports chest pain. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Administer nitroglycerin as ordered.
- B. Administer morphine as ordered.
- C. Administer aspirin as ordered.
- D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Notify the healthcare provider immediately. If a client on nitroglycerin reports chest pain, the priority action is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. This is crucial to ensure prompt reassessment of the client's condition and treatment plan. Administering nitroglycerin, morphine, or aspirin without consulting the healthcare provider first can be risky as the chest pain may indicate a need for a change in treatment or further evaluation. Administering medications without proper assessment and guidance can lead to complications and is not recommended in this scenario.
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