ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
Question 1 of 9
The client is on amiodarone. What is the most important side effect to monitor for?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary toxicity. Amiodarone is known to cause potentially fatal pulmonary toxicity, including interstitial pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis. Monitoring for pulmonary symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, and chest pain is crucial. Choice B (Thyroid dysfunction) is a common side effect but is typically less urgent. Choices C (Liver toxicity) and D (Renal dysfunction) are possible side effects of amiodarone, but pulmonary toxicity is the most important to monitor due to its severity and potential fatality.
Question 2 of 9
As the cardiac-vascular nurse prepares to administer an experimental cardiac drug to a patient who is participating in a research study, the patient states that they no longer want the medication. The nurse advises the patient that:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Patients have the right to refuse treatment or withdraw from a study at any time.
Question 3 of 9
The client on a beta blocker has a blood pressure of 88/58 mm Hg. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. A blood pressure of 88/58 mm Hg is considered hypotension, which can be a serious side effect of beta blockers. By holding the medication and notifying the healthcare provider, the nurse ensures prompt assessment and appropriate intervention. Administering the beta blocker (B) could further lower the blood pressure. Increasing the dose (C) would exacerbate the hypotension. Continuing to monitor and reassess (D) is not sufficient as immediate action is required due to the low blood pressure reading.
Question 4 of 9
To assess whether Mr. Young's synchronous pacemaker is working properly, which statement do you need to remember about a synchronous pacemaker?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Demand pacemakers fire only when needed.
Question 5 of 9
What is a condition where the walls of the arteries in the lungs become thickened and stiff, leading to increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension refers to the condition where the walls of the arteries in the lungs become thickened and stiff, leading to increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This results in the heart having to work harder to pump blood through the lungs, causing potential damage to the heart and lungs over time. B: Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition characterized by scarring of lung tissue, not thickening and stiffening of artery walls. C: Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs, usually caused by a blood clot. It does not involve thickening and stiffening of artery walls. D: Pulmonary edema is a condition where fluid builds up in the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. It is not related to thickened and stiffened artery walls.
Question 6 of 9
Which valves close during ventricular systole and open during ventricular diastole?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During ventricular systole, the atrioventricular valves (AV valves) close to prevent blood from flowing back into the atria. This allows the ventricles to contract and pump blood out of the heart. During ventricular diastole, the AV valves open to allow blood to flow from the atria into the ventricles. The other choices are incorrect because semilunar valves (choice A) close to prevent blood from flowing back into the ventricles during ventricular diastole, and the mitral valve (choice C) and tricuspid valve (choice D) are specific types of AV valves.
Question 7 of 9
If Mr. Lane, with essential hypertension, complains of dizziness when changing position, your evaluation would be that Mr. Lane
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dizziness may indicate postural hypotension, requiring preventive education.
Question 8 of 9
What is the term for inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often leading to a persistent cough and mucus production?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bronchitis. Bronchitis refers to inflammation of the bronchial tubes, causing symptoms such as persistent cough and mucus production. This condition is often caused by viral or bacterial infections, irritants, or smoking. Asthma (B) is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and tightening, leading to difficulty breathing. Pneumonia (C) is an infection in the lungs, typically caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Cystic fibrosis (D) is a genetic disorder affecting the lungs and other organs, leading to thick mucus production and recurrent infections. Therefore, the term that specifically describes inflammation of the bronchial tubes is bronchitis, making it the correct answer in this scenario.
Question 9 of 9
What is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thickened without an obvious cause, leading to a reduction in the heart's ability to pump blood?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In this condition, the heart muscle becomes thickened, affecting the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently. This is due to genetic mutations causing the muscle cells to grow abnormally. This leads to poor relaxation and filling of the heart, impairing its pumping function. B: Dilated cardiomyopathy involves the heart muscle becoming weak and stretched, leading to reduced pumping ability. C: Restrictive cardiomyopathy involves the heart muscle becoming stiff and rigid, impairing its ability to fill with blood properly. D: Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, typically caused by infections or autoimmune conditions, leading to temporary reduction in heart function. Hence, the correct answer is A as it specifically describes the scenario of a thickened heart muscle without an obvious cause impacting the heart's pumping ability.