ATI RN
Cardiovascular Test Bank Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client comes to the emergency department with a dissecting aortic aneurysm. The client is at greatest risk for:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: cardiogenic shock. In a dissecting aortic aneurysm, the inner layer of the aorta tears, leading to blood leaking into the middle layer. This can result in decreased cardiac output, leading to cardiogenic shock. Septic shock (A) is caused by severe infection, anaphylactic shock (B) is an extreme allergic reaction, and hypovolemic shock (D) is due to severe blood loss. In this scenario, the primary concern is the compromised cardiac function due to the dissecting aortic aneurysm, placing the client at greatest risk for cardiogenic shock.
Question 2 of 5
A client's angiogram demonstrates the final stage of atherosclerosis. The nurse concludes that this client's pathophysiology includes which of the following elements?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The presence of atheromas. Atheromas are plaques that form in the arterial wall due to the accumulation of cholesterol and other substances. In the final stage of atherosclerosis, these atheromas can lead to complete blockages or rupture, causing serious health issues. Choice B (Fatty deposits in the intima) is incorrect because while fatty deposits are a part of atherosclerosis, the final stage involves the formation of atheromas, not just fatty deposits. Choice C (Lipoprotein accumulation in the intima) is incorrect because lipoprotein accumulation is an early stage of atherosclerosis, not the final stage involving atheromas. Choice D (Inflammation of the arterial wall) is incorrect because although inflammation plays a role in atherosclerosis, the final stage is characterized by the presence of atheromas, not just inflammation.
Question 3 of 5
A 6-year-old child has been diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta. Lately, he has been complaining when he comes in from recess. The health nurse should question the child about which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Weakness and pain in legs. In a child with coarctation of the aorta, there is a narrowing of the aorta which can lead to decreased blood flow to the lower extremities. This can result in symptoms such as weakness and pain in the legs, especially during physical activity like recess. By questioning the child about these symptoms, the nurse can assess the severity of the condition and determine the need for further evaluation or intervention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because blurred vision, increased respiratory rate, and bruises on shins are not typically associated with coarctation of the aorta. These symptoms may indicate other health issues but are not directly related to the condition in this case.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is admitted with and ST segment myocardial infarction. The patient's wife overhears the physician talking about this and asks you, the nurse, what the physician means by this type of heart attack. The nurse's BEST response would include
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because an ST segment myocardial infarction signifies a full-thickness heart attack causing death of heart muscle through all three layers. This type of MI is serious and can lead to significant complications. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: A: This answer is incorrect because the permanency of changes on the ECG does not fully explain the severity or extent of the heart attack. B: This answer is incorrect because describing a smaller MI that only affects part of the heart wall does not accurately represent an ST segment myocardial infarction. D: This answer is incorrect because it confuses the absence of elevated cardiac markers with the severity of the heart attack, which is not a reliable indicator of the extent of damage in an ST segment myocardial infarction.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following pacemakers is usually used in an emergency and attached by the critical care nurse to the patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transcutaneous pacer. In an emergency, a transcutaneous pacer is used as it can be quickly attached by the critical care nurse externally to provide temporary pacing. Other options are not typically used in emergencies: B) Epicardial pacer requires surgical placement, C) Transvenous pacer is inserted via a vein and takes longer to set up, and D) Permanent pacer is surgically implanted for long-term pacing needs. Therefore, A is the most suitable choice for immediate intervention in critical situations.