ATI RN
NCLEX Practice Questions Cardiovascular System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The pulmonary circulation is responsible for:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pulmonary circulation specifically refers to the movement of blood between the heart and lungs. It begins when the right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary arteries, carrying it to the lungs (Choice B). Choice A describes systemic circulation, Choice C is the return phase (via pulmonary veins to the left atrium), and Choice D is the role of the vena cavae, not pulmonary circulation.
Question 2 of 5
The heart is covered by:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The heart is covered by the pericardium, a double-layered sac (fibrous and serous layers) that encloses and protects it. The epicardium is the heart’s outer layer, not a covering sac, and 'supracardium' is not a valid term.
Question 3 of 5
Interstitial fluid enters capillaries at the venular end through the action of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: At the venular end, colloid osmotic pressure (about 25 mmHg, due to plasma proteins) exceeds the lower hydrostatic pressure (about 15 mmHg), pulling interstitial fluid back into the capillary. Capillary pores facilitate this, but the driving force is osmotic.
Question 4 of 5
Which venous layer is poorly developed?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In veins, the tunica media (smooth muscle layer) is poorly developed compared to arteries, as veins rely more on valves and external forces (e.g., muscle pump) than muscle contraction for blood movement.
Question 5 of 5
A newborn has a congenital defect in which the fetal opening between the right atrium and left atrium did not close after birth. The nurse knows that this structure is called the:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The foramen ovale is a fetal opening between the right and left atria, allowing blood to bypass the lungs. It normally closes after birth. The ductus arteriosus connects pulmonary artery to aorta, ligamentum arteriosum is its remnant, and Tetralogy of Fallot is a different defect.