ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Assessment Questions Questions
Question 1 of 4
The following statements concern carotid sinus discharge. Which combination is correct? A. No discharge when carotid sinus perfusion pressure was below 30 mm Hg. B. Linear increase in discharge frequency when carotid sinus perfusion pressure was gradually increased from 70 to 110 mm Hg. C. Increase in discharge frequency was more prominent in greater pulsatile changes of carotid sinus pressure keeping the mean pressure identical. D. Increase in discharge was more prominent in the falling phase of pulsatile change.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The carotid sinus baroreceptors detect blood pressure changes. A is true (below ~30 mmHg, discharge ceases), B is true (discharge increases linearly in the 70-110 mmHg range), C is true (pulsatile pressure enhances sensitivity), but D is false (rising phase typically triggers more discharge). B (B and C) is correct.
Question 2 of 4
A patient who underwent a percutaneous, transluminal coronary angioplasty four weeks ago has a subsequent ejection fraction of 30%. The patient returns for a follow-up visit. Examination reveals lungs that are clear on auscultation and slight pedal edema. The patient reports a 5 lb (2.27 kg) weight gain over the past two days. The cardiac-vascular nurse's initial action is to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A 5 lb weight gain in two days with an ejection fraction of 30% (indicating heart failure) and pedal edema suggests fluid retention, a potential emergency. Notifying the physician is urgent for intervention, outweighing documentation (A), compliance checks (B), or scan review (D).
Question 3 of 4
During a clinic appointment, a patient states, 'I came in because my calcium score was positive on my CT scan last week.' In which section of the patient assessment does the cardiac-vascular nurse document this finding?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patient’s statement about the calcium score is the reason for the visit, making it the presenting problem. Past history (A) is prior diagnoses, B is lifestyle, and D is symptom review, not the chief complaint.
Question 4 of 4
The function of the cardiovascular system is to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The cardiovascular system serves multiple essential functions. It transports oxygen and nutrients to cells through the blood (Choice A), removes carbon dioxide and metabolic waste products via venous return and exhalation (Choice B), and helps regulate body temperature by adjusting blood flow to the skin (Choice C). Since all these roles are accurate and collectively describe the system’s purpose, the correct answer is 'All of the above' (Choice D).