ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the procedure where a device is used to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm during a life-threatening arrhythmia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Defibrillation is the correct answer as it is the procedure where an electrical device delivers a shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm during a life-threatening arrhythmia. This shock helps reset the heart's electrical activity. Cardioversion (B) is similar but used for less severe arrhythmias. Echocardiogram (C) is an imaging test to assess heart function, not a treatment. Ablation (D) is a procedure to destroy abnormal heart tissue causing arrhythmias but not used for immediate life-threatening situations like defibrillation.
Question 2 of 5
What is a condition where the lung's air sacs become inflamed and fill with fluid or pus, causing cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pneumonia. Pneumonia is characterized by inflammation and fluid or pus accumulation in the lung's air sacs. This leads to symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Tuberculosis (B) is a bacterial infection affecting the lungs but does not always involve fluid accumulation. Asthma (C) is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and bronchospasms, not fluid-filled air sacs. Bronchitis (D) is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not the air sacs in the lungs.
Question 3 of 5
Which condition is characterized by the weakening and rupture of the walls of the alveoli in the lungs, reducing the surface area available for gas exchange?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: Emphysema is characterized by weakening and rupture of alveoli walls, reducing gas exchange surface area. This leads to shortness of breath and decreased oxygen levels. Bronchitis involves inflammation of bronchial tubes, not alveoli. Atelectasis is the collapse of lung tissue, not alveoli weakening. Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring of lung tissue, not alveoli rupture. Therefore, A is correct due to its direct association with alveoli damage.
Question 4 of 5
What test measures the oxygen level in the blood, often used to monitor patients with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulse oximetry. This test measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood by using a device called a pulse oximeter, which is commonly placed on a patient's finger. Pulse oximetry is non-invasive, quick, and reliable in assessing oxygen levels. Arterial blood gas (B) measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels directly from arterial blood samples, but it is more invasive and requires a blood draw. Echocardiogram (C) is an ultrasound test that evaluates the heart's structure and function, not specifically oxygen levels. Chest X-ray (D) provides images of the lungs and chest area but does not directly measure oxygen levels in the blood.
Question 5 of 5
Which condition is characterized by the sudden onset of shortness of breath, often occurring at night and associated with heart failure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. This condition is characterized by sudden onset of shortness of breath at night, often associated with heart failure. It occurs when a person lies down due to fluid redistribution in the body, leading to increased pressure on the lungs and heart. Sleep apnea (B) is a separate condition characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. Orthopnea (C) is difficulty breathing while lying flat, relieved by sitting up. Dyspnea (D) is a general term for shortness of breath but does not specifically refer to the sudden onset at night associated with heart failure.