ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf Questions
Question 1 of 9
What procedure involves using a catheter to create a small scar in the heart tissue to block abnormal electrical signals and restore normal heart rhythm?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Catheter ablation. This procedure involves using a catheter to create a small scar in the heart tissue to block abnormal electrical signals and restore normal heart rhythm. First, the catheter is guided to the heart through blood vessels. Then, using various techniques such as radiofrequency energy or freezing, the abnormal tissue causing the irregular heartbeat is destroyed to restore the heart's normal rhythm. Choice B, Angioplasty, involves opening blocked or narrowed blood vessels to improve blood flow, not addressing abnormal heart rhythms. Choice C, Stent placement, involves inserting a mesh tube to keep arteries open, not related to treating abnormal electrical signals in the heart. Choice D, Valve replacement, is a procedure to replace damaged heart valves, not specifically targeting abnormal electrical signals in the heart.
Question 2 of 9
While obtaining patient histories, which patient does the nurse identify as having the highest risk for CAD?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Smoking and stress are strong risk factors for CAD.
Question 3 of 9
A patient with cardiogenic shock receives a nursing diagnosis of decreased cardiac output. With the appropriate interventions, the anticipated outcome is for the patient to achieve:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Restoring baseline cardiac function is the goal in managing decreased cardiac output.
Question 4 of 9
What is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs of one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs, leading to fluid or pus accumulation. This is a common respiratory condition characterized by symptoms such as cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. Pleurisy (C) is inflammation of the pleura surrounding the lungs, not the air sacs. Tuberculosis (B) is a bacterial infection affecting the lungs but does not specifically mention inflammation and pus in the air sacs. Pulmonary edema (D) is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs but is not caused by an infection like pneumonia.
Question 5 of 9
When administering dobutamine to a client, what is the most important parameter to assess?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure. When administering dobutamine, a medication that increases heart contractility, the most important parameter to assess is blood pressure. This is because dobutamine can cause significant changes in blood pressure, including hypotension or hypertension, which can have serious implications for the client's hemodynamic stability. Monitoring blood pressure allows for timely intervention and adjustment of the medication dosage to ensure optimal cardiovascular function. Heart rate (B), oxygen saturation (C), and respiratory rate (D) are also important parameters to monitor but are not the primary concern when administering dobutamine, as its effects on blood pressure are more critical for patient safety and treatment efficacy.
Question 6 of 9
Which of the following veins is the largest and carries back deoxygenated blood from the tissues in the lower extremities and enters the heart proximally?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The inferior vena cava is the largest vein carrying deoxygenated blood from the lower body into the heart.
Question 7 of 9
The client is being taught about the use of warfarin. What is the most important dietary instruction?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid foods high in vitamin K. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Consuming foods high in vitamin K can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin. By avoiding these foods, the client can maintain consistent levels of the medication in their system. Choice B is incorrect as increasing vitamin K-rich foods can counteract the effects of warfarin. Choice C is incorrect as there is no need to avoid foods high in protein when taking warfarin. Choice D is incorrect as increasing calcium intake does not have a direct impact on warfarin therapy.
Question 8 of 9
What procedure involves inserting a needle into the pleural space to remove excess fluid and help the patient breathe more easily?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Thoracentesis. This procedure involves inserting a needle into the pleural space to drain excess fluid, which can accumulate due to conditions like pleural effusion or pneumonia, helping the patient breathe easier. It's performed under ultrasound guidance, ensuring precise fluid removal without damaging nearby structures. Thoracentesis is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, providing fluid for analysis and relieving symptoms of dyspnea. Summary: B: Bronchoscopy is a procedure to visualize the airways using a thin, flexible tube and is not used for draining pleural fluid. C: Spirometry is a lung function test measuring airflow and is not a procedure for removing pleural fluid. D: Arterial blood gas (ABG) is a blood test to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood and is not related to removing pleural fluid.
Question 9 of 9
What is a type of heart disease that involves the thickening or stiffening of the heart muscle, reducing its ability to pump blood?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This condition involves the thickening of the heart muscle, leading to reduced blood pumping ability. This thickening makes it harder for the heart to relax and fill with blood properly, impairing its ability to pump effectively. Dilated cardiomyopathy (B) involves the enlargement of the heart chambers, not thickening. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (C) involves stiffening but not necessarily thickening of the heart muscle. Arrhythmia (D) refers to irregular heart rhythms and does not relate to the structural changes in the heart muscle seen in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.