ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
If Mr. G experiences ventricular fibrillation, which drug would the nurse prepare to administer?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the scenario where Mr. G experiences ventricular fibrillation, the correct drug for the nurse to prepare is Epinephrine (Option C). Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening arrhythmia where the heart's lower chambers quiver and can't pump blood effectively. Epinephrine is a crucial medication in this situation as it acts as a potent vasoconstrictor and increases both heart rate and the strength of cardiac contractions, which can help restore normal heart rhythm. Option A, Morphine, is not the appropriate choice in ventricular fibrillation as it is a pain medication and does not address the underlying arrhythmia. Option B, Digitalis, is a cardiac glycoside used for heart failure and atrial fibrillation, not for ventricular fibrillation. Option D, Atropine, is used for symptomatic bradycardia, not for ventricular fibrillation. In an educational context, understanding the appropriate medications for specific cardiac arrhythmias is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers. Proper knowledge of drugs like Epinephrine can be life-saving in emergency situations like ventricular fibrillation, emphasizing the importance of continuous education and training in cardiac care.
Question 2 of 5
Which heart chamber ejects blood into the systemic arterial circulation via the aorta?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Left ventricle. The left ventricle is responsible for ejecting oxygenated blood into the systemic arterial circulation via the aorta. It receives oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium and pumps it out through the aorta to the rest of the body. Rationale: 1. The left ventricle receives blood from the left atrium, which has already been oxygenated in the lungs. 2. It is the chamber that generates the highest pressure to propel blood into the systemic circulation. 3. The aorta is the main artery that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body. 4. The right atrium and right ventricle are involved in pumping deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation, not into the systemic circulation. 5. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs but does not directly eject blood into the systemic arterial circulation.
Question 3 of 5
Which artery supplies the anterior wall of the left ventricle, the anterior interventricular septum, the anterior papillary muscles, and apex of the heart?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Left anterior descending artery. This artery supplies the structures mentioned due to its location and distribution in the heart. The left anterior descending artery runs along the anterior interventricular groove and provides blood flow to the anterior wall of the left ventricle, anterior interventricular septum, anterior papillary muscles, and apex of the heart. The other choices are incorrect because: B: Left circumflex artery supplies the lateral and posterior walls of the left ventricle. C: Posterior descending artery supplies the inferior part of the heart. D: Aortic artery is not a specific artery that supplies the mentioned structures.
Question 4 of 5
Which term refers to the ability of the heart to initiate impulses repetitively and spontaneously?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Automaticity. Automaticity refers to the ability of the heart to generate electrical impulses spontaneously, without external stimulation. This allows the heart to initiate its own contractions independently of external influences. Contractility (A) refers to the ability of the heart muscle to contract in response to an electrical stimulus. Excitability (B) refers to the ability of cardiac cells to respond to an electrical stimulus. Rhythmicity (D) refers to the regularity of the heart's electrical impulses. Thus, C is the correct answer as it specifically addresses the heart's ability to generate impulses spontaneously.
Question 5 of 5
What is the term for the amount of blood ejected by the left ventricle into the aorta per beat, determined by preload, contractility, and afterload?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stroke volume. Stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected by the left ventricle into the aorta per beat. Preload (end-diastolic volume), contractility, and afterload influence stroke volume. Cardiac output (B) is the total volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute. End-diastolic volume (C) is the volume of blood in the ventricle before contraction. Ejection fraction (D) is the percentage of blood ejected from the ventricle during systole.