ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. What is the amount of blood the heart pumps through the circulatory system in a minute?
- A. Cardiac output
- B. Stroke volume
- C. End-diastolic volume
- D. Ejection fraction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiac output. Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute. It is calculated by multiplying the stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped out of the heart in each beat) by the heart rate (number of heartbeats per minute). This question specifically asks for the total amount of blood pumped through the circulatory system in a minute, which is represented by cardiac output. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because stroke volume refers to the amount of blood pumped out of the heart in each beat, end-diastolic volume is the volume of blood in the heart at the end of diastole, and ejection fraction is the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart with each contraction, not the total amount pumped per minute.
2. The client is on a beta blocker for hypertension. What should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Tachycardia
- C. Hypertension
- D. Respiratory distress
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: When a client is on a beta blocker for hypertension, the nurse should monitor for bradycardia. Beta blockers are known to decrease heart rate, which can lead to bradycardia. Tachycardia (choice B) is unlikely as beta blockers have the opposite effect. Hypertension (choice C) is the condition being treated, not a side effect of beta blockers. Respiratory distress (choice D) is not a common effect of beta blockers and is not typically monitored in clients taking beta blockers.
3. Which chronic condition is characterized by abnormally thickened heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently?
- A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- B. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Ventricular hypertrophy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the correct answer. In this condition, the heart muscle becomes abnormally thickened, leading to difficulties in pumping blood efficiently. Dilated cardiomyopathy (choice B) involves the enlargement of the heart chambers, not thickening of the heart muscle. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (choice C) is characterized by stiffening of the heart muscle, impairing its ability to fill properly. Ventricular hypertrophy (choice D) refers to the thickening of the heart's ventricle walls, which can result from various conditions, not solely hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
4. What procedure involves using a catheter to create a small scar in the heart tissue to block abnormal electrical signals and restore normal heart rhythm?
- A. Catheter ablation
- B. Angioplasty
- C. Stent placement
- D. Valve replacement
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Catheter ablation is the correct answer. During catheter ablation, a catheter is used to create a small scar in the heart tissue to block abnormal electrical signals, thereby restoring a normal heart rhythm. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because angioplasty is a procedure to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries, stent placement involves inserting a mesh tube to support a weak artery, and valve replacement is the surgical procedure of replacing a heart valve, none of which match the description provided in the question.
5. Which disease is characterized by the damage to the alveoli in the lungs, leading to breathlessness?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Pulmonary fibrosis
- C. Lung cancer
- D. Lung abscess
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Emphysema. Emphysema is a lung condition characterized by the damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, which results in breathlessness and reduced lung function. Pulmonary fibrosis (B) is a condition where lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred, leading to stiffness in the lungs. Lung cancer (C) is a malignancy affecting the lungs, which can cause various symptoms depending on the stage. Lung abscess (D) is a localized collection of pus within the lung tissue, typically caused by a bacterial infection.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access