ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
Question 1 of 9
The client on amiodarone develops pulmonary fibrosis. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious side effect of amiodarone. 2. Immediate notification of the healthcare provider is necessary to address this potentially life-threatening complication. 3. The healthcare provider will need to evaluate the client's condition, consider alternative treatments, and adjust the care plan accordingly. Summary of incorrect choices: B. Continuing the medication without intervention can worsen the pulmonary fibrosis. C. Discontinuing the medication is necessary, but oxygen therapy alone may not address the underlying issue. D. Reducing the dose may not be sufficient to manage the pulmonary fibrosis and delaying provider notification can lead to further complications.
Question 2 of 9
The laboratory tests for four patients show the following results. Which patient should the nurse teach first about preventing CAD because the patient is at the greatest risk for CAD even without other risk factors?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Low HDL and high LDL increase CAD risk.
Question 3 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 4 of 9
When administering furosemide (Lasix) to a client, which lab value is most important to monitor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss through increased urine output. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Sodium (B) and chloride (D) levels can also be affected by furosemide but are not as critical as potassium. Calcium (C) monitoring is not typically required when administering furosemide. By closely monitoring potassium levels, healthcare providers can prevent potential complications and ensure the safe administration of furosemide.
Question 5 of 9
Which surgical procedure involves grafting a blood vessel to bypass a blocked artery in the heart?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). This procedure involves grafting a blood vessel to bypass a blocked artery in the heart, improving blood flow. Valve replacement (B) is not a procedure for bypassing blocked arteries. Stent placement (C) involves inserting a mesh tube to keep the artery open but does not involve grafting a blood vessel. Angioplasty (D) is a procedure to widen blocked arteries using a balloon, not grafting a blood vessel. Therefore, the correct choice is CABG.
Question 6 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 7 of 9
A patient with heart failure has tachypnea, severe dyspnea, and a SpO2 of 84%. The nurse identifies a nursing diagnosis of impaired gas exchange related to increased preload and mechanical failure. An appropriate nursing intervention for this diagnosis is
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A high fowler's position increases the thoracic capacity, improving ventilation, and sitting with the legs horizontal will decrease venous return.
Question 8 of 9
What is the ability of cardiac cells to generate an electrical impulse without being stimulated by an external source?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Automaticity is the ability of cardiac cells to generate an electrical impulse spontaneously without external stimulation. It is a fundamental property of specialized cardiac cells like pacemaker cells. Contractility refers to the ability of muscle cells to contract in response to an electrical stimulus. Conductivity is the ability of cardiac cells to transmit electrical impulses. Refractoriness is the period during which cardiac cells are unable to respond to a new stimulus. Therefore, in this context, the correct answer is A: Automaticity.
Question 9 of 9
Which condition is characterized by fluid collection in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pulmonary edema is the correct answer because it is characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to difficulty in breathing. This condition is often a result of heart failure, where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, causing fluid to leak into the lungs. It can also be caused by lung infections or exposure to toxins. Pleurisy (B) is inflammation of the pleura, the lining around the lungs, leading to chest pain exacerbated by breathing. Pleural effusion (C) is fluid accumulation in the pleural space around the lungs, not within the lungs themselves. Pneumothorax (D) is characterized by air accumulation in the pleural space, causing lung collapse, but not fluid collection in the lungs.