ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The cardiac cycle consists of a distinct relaxation and contraction phase. Which term is typically used to refer ventricular contraction while no blood is being ejected?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Isovolumic contraction (D) is early ventricular systole when valves are closed, and no blood is ejected.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client on a heparin infusion when the client expresses concern over a progressively painful headache. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Notifying the physician (C) is the priority for a headache (possible heparin hypersensitivity or bleed). Stopping heparin (A) or giving protamine (B) awaits orders, morphine (D) is inappropriate.
Question 3 of 5
Arteries are blood vessels that:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Arteries are defined as vessels that carry blood away from the heart, regardless of oxygenation status (e.g., pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood). Veins travel to the heart. A and B are not universally true for all arteries.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse's client asks, 'How did I get rheumatic heart disease?' The most appropriate response by the nurse is that rheumatic heart disease is frequently a result of?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a complication of rheumatic fever, which is triggered by an untreated streptococcal infection (e.g., strep throat). Pregnancy, hypertension, and genetics may exacerbate heart conditions but are not primary causes of RHD.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is teaching a class to student nurses on rheumatic fever. Which of the following should the nurse include in the class? Rheumatic fever
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rheumatic fever follows streptococcal infection, diagnosed via throat culture (for Streptococcus) and antistreptolysin O (ASO) titers. It’s not linked to varicella, not diagnosed by blood cultures, and affects younger populations, not mainly the elderly.