ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Test Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Capillaries provide a total surface area of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Capillaries have an estimated total surface area of about 7500 ft² (600-1000 m²) in humans, reflecting their vast network for exchange. Other options are either too small or exaggerated.
Question 2 of 5
The client has a diagnosis of pericarditis. The nurse knows that the client's infection is located in the:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the membrane surrounding the heart. The myocardium is the muscle layer, the endocardium is the inner lining, and the mediastinum is the thoracic region, not a heart layer. (Source: Document, p. 62, Pericardial membrane)
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following would most likely confirm a diagnosis of appendicitis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Appendicitis, an acute bacterial infection, typically causes neutrophilia (increased neutrophils, >70%), reflecting the body’s response to inflammation. Monocytes rise in chronic conditions, erythrocytes are unrelated, and leukopenia (low WBCs) contradicts infection.
Question 4 of 5
The percent volume of whole blood occupied by packed red cells is referred to as the:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume occupied by packed RBCs (normal: 38-50%). Formed elements include all cells, and sedimentation index relates to ESR, not volume.
Question 5 of 5
The reason for the dicrotic notch on the aortic pressure curve is
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The dicrotic notch is a small dip in the aortic pressure curve caused by the closure of the aortic valve at the end of systole, as blood briefly rebounds against it. Aortic contraction doesn’t occur, ventricular filling is diastolic, and pulmonary valve closure affects pulmonary pressure, not aortic.