ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
In auscultating over a peripheral artery, what sound would suggest obstruction of the artery?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In auscultating over a peripheral artery, the sound of a bruit would suggest obstruction of the artery. A bruit is an abnormal swooshing or whooshing sound caused by turbulent blood flow through a narrowed or obstructed artery. This indicates a potential blockage or stenosis in the vessel, disrupting the smooth flow of blood. Option A, dullness, is incorrect because it typically refers to a percussion sound indicating consolidation in underlying tissue, not related to vascular obstruction. Option B, tympany, is a percussion sound associated with air-filled structures and is not indicative of arterial obstruction. Option D, vibrations, are not typically associated with arterial obstruction but may be felt in conditions like thrill or palpable murmur. In an educational context, understanding the significance of different sounds heard during auscultation is crucial for healthcare professionals in diagnosing and managing cardiovascular conditions. Recognizing the specific sound of a bruit can prompt further investigation for atherosclerosis, arterial stenosis, or other vascular issues, leading to timely interventions and improved patient outcomes.
Question 2 of 5
Mrs. Payer's care plan during the acute phase following MI should include attention to such psychologic aspects as fear, stress, and hopefulness. Therapeutic goals from the time of admission must be geared to
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of caring for a patient following a myocardial infarction (MI), addressing psychologic aspects like fear, stress, and hopefulness is crucial for their overall well-being and recovery. The correct answer, A) acceptance, is the most appropriate therapeutic goal during the acute phase post-MI. Acceptance allows Mrs. Payer to acknowledge her condition, cope with the emotional impact of the MI, and work towards understanding and adapting to the changes in her life. It fosters a positive mindset, reduces resistance to treatment, and promotes engagement in rehabilitation efforts. Option B) rehabilitation, while important in the long-term recovery process, focuses more on physical aspects rather than immediate psychologic needs. Option C) slowing down and Option D) dependence are not appropriate goals as they do not empower the patient or address the emotional challenges she may be facing. Educationally, understanding the psychologic impact of a cardiac event like an MI is vital for healthcare providers to deliver holistic care. By prioritizing psychologic well-being alongside physical health, patients are better supported in their recovery journey, leading to improved outcomes and quality of life.
Question 3 of 5
The most realistic discharge goal for Mrs. G., with a history of compensated congestive heart failure, is
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of Mrs. G., who has a history of compensated congestive heart failure, the most realistic discharge goal is option B) Absence of signs of congestive failure. This is the correct answer because in managing heart failure, the goal is to prevent exacerbations and maintain a stable condition. Having an absence of signs of congestive failure indicates that the patient's condition is stable and well-controlled. Option A) Knowledge of illness and treatment is important for patient education, but the priority in this case is to maintain a stable condition. Option C) Total decompensation for failure is not a realistic goal as it would signify a worsening of the condition. Option D) Avoidance of all stress is vague and not directly related to managing congestive heart failure. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of setting realistic and achievable goals in managing chronic conditions like heart failure. It emphasizes the need for patients to understand the signs and symptoms of their condition while striving for stability and symptom control as part of their overall care plan.
Question 4 of 5
If Mrs. Jones has a temporary pacemaker and the pacemaker intermittently fails to capture or sense, increasing the output temporarily restores function. Failure to capture or sense appropriately is most often due to
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Dislodgment of pacing electrode from the right ventricle. When a temporary pacemaker intermittently fails to capture or sense, it is often due to a mechanical issue like dislodgment of the pacing electrode. This causes the pacing signal to not reach the heart muscle effectively, leading to the loss of capture or sensing. Option A) Prior emergency defibrillation for ventricular failure is incorrect because defibrillation does not typically cause issues with pacemaker capture or sensing. Option C) Occurrence of frequent ectopic beats from the right ventricle is incorrect as ectopic beats do not directly interfere with the function of a pacemaker. Option D) Perforation to the right ventricle by pacing electrode is also incorrect as perforation would lead to more serious complications rather than intermittent issues with capture or sensing. In an educational context, understanding the reasons behind temporary pacemaker malfunction is crucial for healthcare providers managing patients with cardiac rhythm disorders. Recognizing the potential causes of pacemaker dysfunction, like electrode dislodgment, helps in prompt troubleshooting and appropriate intervention to ensure optimal patient care and safety.
Question 5 of 5
If Mr. Smith is admitted with pericarditis with effusion and shows dyspnea, tachycardia, distended neck veins, and arterial hypotension, your evaluation of the situation would be that
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) These are signs of cardiac tamponade. Cardiac tamponade is a serious condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, leading to compression of the heart. The symptoms described - dyspnea, tachycardia, distended neck veins, and arterial hypotension - are classic signs of cardiac tamponade due to the compromised cardiac function and decreased cardiac output. Option B) These signs are to be expected is incorrect because the symptoms mentioned are not normal and indicate a pathological process that requires immediate attention. Option C) He needs to be placed flat in bed to relieve the problem is incorrect as placing the patient flat can worsen cardiac tamponade by further restricting cardiac filling. The patient may require urgent medical intervention like pericardiocentesis. Option D) He has overexerted himself and needs to rest is incorrect as the symptoms described are not indicative of overexertion but rather a medical emergency requiring prompt evaluation and treatment. Educationally, understanding the signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade is crucial for healthcare providers to recognize and manage this life-threatening condition promptly. It highlights the importance of differentiating between various cardiovascular emergencies and the need for timely intervention to prevent further complications.