ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is a chronic condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertension. Hypertension is characterized by persistently elevated blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. This condition is commonly referred to as high blood pressure. Hypotension (B) is the opposite, indicating low blood pressure. Hyperlipidemia (C) is high levels of fats in the blood, not directly related to blood pressure. Hyperglycemia (D) is high blood sugar levels, also not directly related to blood pressure. Therefore, based on the definition and associated health risks, A is the correct choice.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following is a chronic condition where the heart muscle is weakened and unable to pump blood effectively, often leading to heart failure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: 1. Dilated cardiomyopathy (A) is characterized by the heart muscle becoming weak and enlarged, leading to ineffective pumping. 2. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (B) involves thickened heart muscle but not necessarily weakened. 3. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (C) involves stiffening of the heart muscle, not necessarily weakening. 4. Myocarditis (D) is inflammation of the heart muscle, not specifically related to chronic weakening and heart failure. Therefore, A is the correct answer as it directly relates to the weakened heart muscle leading to ineffective pumping and heart failure.
Question 3 of 5
Which order should the nurse question?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The addition of a beta blocker with digoxin. When combined, beta blockers can enhance the effects of digoxin, leading to an increased risk of bradycardia and heart block. This combination can also exacerbate digoxin toxicity. Therefore, the nurse should question the addition of a beta blocker with digoxin to prevent potential adverse effects. Incorrect choices: A: The addition of a loop diuretic with digoxin - Loop diuretics may lead to hypokalemia, which can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. C: A digoxin dose of 0.125 mg per day - This is within the recommended dose range for digoxin and does not pose a significant concern. D: The addition of an ACE inhibitor with digoxin - ACE inhibitors are commonly used in combination with digoxin and do not typically interact negatively.
Question 4 of 5
The healthcare provider is administering IV nitroglycerin to a patient for chest pain. What is the most critical parameter to monitor?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Blood pressure. When administering IV nitroglycerin for chest pain, monitoring blood pressure is critical due to its vasodilatory effect, which can cause hypotension. Monitoring blood pressure helps prevent potential adverse effects like hypotension-related symptoms or complications. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate are also important parameters to monitor, but blood pressure takes precedence in this scenario due to the potential for significant hemodynamic changes.
Question 5 of 5
The healthcare provider is monitoring a client on an ACE inhibitor. What lab value is most important to monitor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium. ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia, so monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent potential life-threatening complications. High potassium levels can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Sodium levels are not typically affected by ACE inhibitors. Creatinine is important to monitor for kidney function but not specific to ACE inhibitors. Calcium levels are not directly affected by ACE inhibitors.