ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam
1. What structure separates the left and right sides of the heart?
- A. Interventricular septum
- B. Endocardium
- C. Epicardium
- D. Pericardium
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The interventricular septum is the correct answer as it is the wall that separates the left and right sides of the heart, ensuring the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood do not mix. The endocardium is the inner lining of the heart chambers, the epicardium is the outermost layer of the heart wall, and the pericardium is the sac that surrounds the heart, providing protection and anchoring the heart in place. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect in the context of separating the left and right sides of the heart.
2. The nurse is administering enoxaparin (Lovenox) to a client. What is the most important lab value to monitor?
- A. Platelet count
- B. Hemoglobin
- C. White blood cell count
- D. aPTT
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count. When administering enoxaparin, it is crucial to monitor the platelet count because enoxaparin can lead to a rare but serious side effect known as thrombocytopenia, which is a decrease in platelet levels. Monitoring the platelet count helps in detecting this adverse effect early. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hemoglobin, white blood cell count, and aPTT are not the most important lab values to monitor specifically for enoxaparin administration.
3. For what reason might the nurse be given an order to administer milrinone (Primacor)?
- A. For congestive heart failure
- B. For hypertension
- C. For cardiac arrhythmias
- D. For bradycardia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Milrinone is commonly prescribed for congestive heart failure to help improve cardiac function and alleviate symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as milrinone is not typically used for hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, or bradycardia. It is specifically indicated for congestive heart failure for short-term management.
4. When administering enoxaparin (Lovenox) to a client, what is the most important lab value to monitor?
- A. Platelet count
- B. aPTT
- C. Hemoglobin
- D. INR
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count. When administering enoxaparin (Lovenox), it is crucial to monitor the platelet count because enoxaparin can cause a rare but serious side effect known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, which is a decrease in platelet count that can lead to increased risk of bleeding. Monitoring the platelet count allows for early detection of this potential complication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because aPTT, Hemoglobin, and INR are not the most important lab values to monitor specifically when administering enoxaparin.
5. What test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect heart rhythm problems?
- A. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- B. Chest X-ray
- C. MRI
- D. CT scan
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An electrocardiogram is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect irregularities in heart rhythm. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a chest X-ray, MRI, and CT scan do not specifically measure the electrical activity of the heart or detect heart rhythm problems.
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