ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is a condition where the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stroke. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients to brain tissue. This can result in brain cell damage or death. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain with similar symptoms but resolves quickly without causing permanent damage. Myocardial infarction is a heart attack caused by blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, not the brain. Angina is chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart, not the brain. Thus, only a stroke directly involves the interruption of blood supply to the brain, making it the correct answer.
Question 2 of 5
What is the procedure where a catheter is used to open a blocked or narrowed coronary artery, often involving the placement of a stent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Angioplasty. During angioplasty, a catheter with a balloon at its tip is used to open a blocked or narrowed coronary artery. The balloon is inflated to widen the artery and improve blood flow. Often, a stent is placed during the procedure to help keep the artery open. Option B, valve replacement, is incorrect as it involves replacing a faulty heart valve, not opening a blocked coronary artery. Option C, stent placement, is close but not specific to the procedure of using a catheter and balloon. Option D, CABG, is a surgical procedure where arteries or veins are used to bypass blocked coronary arteries, not using a catheter.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.