ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Questions and Answers Questions
Question 1 of 4
The Nurse understands that a pulmonary embolism is a most unlikely complication in the postoperative period following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a risk after surgeries with prolonged immobility or venous manipulation (e.g., prostatectomy, hysterectomy, vein ligation), but appendectomy typically involves less risk due to shorter duration and minimal venous disruption.
Question 2 of 4
A patient comes to the emergency department (ED) and reports a swollen and painful leg but denies sustaining any injury. The physical examination reveals a tense calf muscle, decreased sensation to the foot and leg, and absent pedal pulses. The cardiac-vascular nurse asks the patient when the symptoms began because:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acute limb ischemia (e.g., from thrombosis or embolism) can cause irreversible muscle/nerve damage within 4-6 hours due to anoxia, making symptom onset timing critical for intervention. A is incorrect (both are sudden), B is delayed, and D is unrelated.
Question 3 of 4
In an assessment for intermittent claudication, the cardiac-vascular nurse assesses for leg pain and cramping with exertion, then asks the patient:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Intermittent claudication (arterial insufficiency) is characterized by exertional leg pain relieved by rest, distinguishing it from venous pain (relieved by elevation, D). A and B assess other conditions, not claudication specifically.
Question 4 of 4
Which blood vessels carry blood away from the heart?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Arteries (Choice A) are the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart, delivering oxygenated blood to the body (via systemic arteries) or deoxygenated blood to the lungs (via pulmonary arteries). Veins (Choice B) carry blood toward the heart, capillaries (Choice C) facilitate exchange between blood and tissues, and venules (Choice D) are small veins that collect blood from capillaries. Only arteries match the description, making Choice A correct.