ATI RN
100 Questions on the Cardiovascular System Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery demonstrates effective understanding of discharge teaching by:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clarifying cardiac rehab timing shows understanding of recovery steps post-CABG. A (smoking), C (hot tubs risk infection), and D (driving too soon) indicate poor grasp of restrictions and rehab needs.
Question 2 of 5
Which pairing is valid for fetal circulation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In fetal circulation, the ductus venosus shunts oxygenated blood from the umbilical vein (carrying blood from the placenta) to the inferior vena cava, bypassing the liver. The foramen ovale connects the right atrium to the left atrium (not ventricles or pulmonary trunk), and the ductus arteriosus connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta (not pulmonary vein).
Question 3 of 5
When the bundle of His is completely interrupted, the:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: If the bundle of His is interrupted (complete heart block), the ventricles beat independently at their intrinsic rate (30-40 beats/min) via Purkinje fibers, while the atria follow the SA node. PR intervals become inconsistent, and QRS shape remains stable unless further complications arise.
Question 4 of 5
The innermost layer of an artery is composed of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The innermost layer of arteries (tunica intima) is lined with endothelium, a simple squamous epithelium specialized for smooth blood flow and exchange.
Question 5 of 5
The parents of a newborn with a congenital heart disease ask the nurse what is meant by the diagnosis patent ductus arteriosus. The nurse's best explanation includes that this structure is a shunt between the:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ductus arteriosus is a shunt that allows blood to bypass the undeveloped lungs of the fetus by allowing blood to pass between the pulmonary trunk and the aorta (great vessels). This structure closes soon after birth and is replaced by the ligamentum arteriosum. The foramen ovale is the bypass that allows blood to pass through the atria. There is no shunt within the ventricles. (Source: Document, Pretest Answer 3, p. 76)