ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers
1. What is the narrowing of the arteries due to the buildup of plaque, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes?
- A. Coronary artery disease
- B. Peripheral artery disease
- C. Aortic stenosis
- D. Mitral valve prolapse
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Coronary artery disease is the correct answer. It is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to plaque buildup, which can lead to heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues. Choice B, Peripheral artery disease, involves the narrowing of arteries in the limbs, not specifically the coronary arteries. Choice C, Aortic stenosis, refers to the narrowing of the aortic valve opening, not the arteries. Choice D, Mitral valve prolapse, is a condition where the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle doesn't close properly, unrelated to arterial narrowing.
2. The client is receiving digoxin and has a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Increase the dose of digoxin.
- C. Continue the current dose of digoxin.
- D. Administer potassium supplements.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Holding the medication and informing the healthcare provider is crucial to prevent adverse effects. Choice B is incorrect because increasing the dose of digoxin would further raise the risk of toxicity. Choice C is incorrect as continuing the current dose could exacerbate the toxicity risk. Choice D is incorrect because administering potassium supplements alone is not sufficient to address the potential digoxin toxicity; the first step should be to hold the digoxin and seek further guidance.
3. Which of the following conditions is characterized by inflammation of the heart muscle, often due to a viral infection, leading to impaired heart function?
- A. Myocarditis
- B. Endocarditis
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Cardiomyopathy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Myocarditis. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle, typically caused by a viral infection. It can impair the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently, potentially leading to other complications. Endocarditis (choice B) is an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. Pericarditis (choice C) is inflammation of the pericardium, the outer lining of the heart. Cardiomyopathy (choice D) is a disease of the heart muscle that affects the heart's ability to pump blood.
4. The client is receiving intravenous dopamine. What is the most important nursing assessment?
- A. Monitor heart rate and rhythm
- B. Monitor blood pressure
- C. Monitor respiratory rate
- D. Monitor oxygen saturation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor heart rate and rhythm when a client is receiving intravenous dopamine. Dopamine is known to potentially cause arrhythmias, making this assessment crucial. While monitoring blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation are important nursing assessments, they are not the most critical when dopamine is being administered.
5. The client on digoxin has a potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Administer a potassium supplement
- B. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider
- C. Continue the current digoxin dose
- D. Administer Digibind
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin and low potassium levels can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Administering a potassium supplement (choice A) without healthcare provider guidance can worsen the situation. Continuing the current digoxin dose (choice C) can further increase the risk of toxicity. Administering Digibind (choice D) is used in severe cases of digoxin toxicity, not for addressing low potassium levels.
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