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
Which of the following is a chronic condition characterized by difficulty breathing due to airflow obstruction, commonly associated with long-term smoking?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: 1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow obstruction and difficulty breathing. 2. COPD is commonly linked to long-term smoking due to the damage caused to the lungs. 3. Asthma involves airway inflammation and reversible airflow obstruction, not necessarily linked to smoking. 4. Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the lungs, not directly related to smoking. 5. Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not synonymous with airflow obstruction. Summary: COPD is the correct answer as it aligns with the chronic condition characterized by airflow obstruction due to long-term smoking, distinguishing it from the other choices.
Question 3 of 9
Which condition refers to the heart being unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart failure. This condition occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It can result from various factors such as high blood pressure, heart muscle damage, or heart valve disorders. In contrast, B (Myocardial infarction) refers to a heart attack caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries, C (Cardiomyopathy) is a disease of the heart muscle, and D (Pericarditis) is inflammation of the pericardium surrounding the heart. These conditions may affect the heart's function but do not specifically indicate the inability to pump sufficient blood like heart failure does.
Question 4 of 9
The client is on enalapril (Vasotec) for hypertension. What side effect is most commonly associated with this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dry cough. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor, which commonly causes a dry cough due to increased bradykinin levels. This side effect is well-documented in literature and can lead to medication non-adherence. Other choices (B) Hypotension, (C) Hyperkalemia, and (D) Headache are potential side effects of enalapril but are not as commonly associated as dry cough. Hypotension and hyperkalemia are more serious adverse effects that require monitoring, while headache is a less common side effect compared to dry cough.
Question 5 of 9
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 6 of 9
Which term refers to the ability of the heart to initiate impulses repetitively and spontaneously?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Automaticity. Automaticity refers to the ability of the heart to generate electrical impulses spontaneously, without external stimulation. This allows the heart to initiate its own contractions independently of external influences. Contractility (A) refers to the ability of the heart muscle to contract in response to an electrical stimulus. Excitability (B) refers to the ability of cardiac cells to respond to an electrical stimulus. Rhythmicity (D) refers to the regularity of the heart's electrical impulses. Thus, C is the correct answer as it specifically addresses the heart's ability to generate impulses spontaneously.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the following are the reasons a nurse discourages the consumption of alcohol for a client with mitral valve prolapse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Alcohol can stimulate the heart, exacerbating symptoms in clients with mitral valve prolapse.
Question 8 of 9
What test measures the electrical activity of the heart over a 24- or 48-hour period?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Holter monitor. This device records the electrical activity of the heart over an extended period, typically 24-48 hours, providing a more comprehensive assessment compared to a standard ECG (choice B). A stress test (choice C) evaluates the heart's response to physical exertion, not prolonged monitoring. A chest X-ray (choice D) is used to visualize the heart and lungs, but does not measure electrical activity. Therefore, the Holter monitor is the most appropriate test for continuous monitoring of heart activity over an extended period.
Question 9 of 9
What is a condition where the heart is unable to relax properly between beats, reducing its ability to fill with blood?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diastolic heart failure. In diastolic heart failure, the heart is unable to relax properly during the filling phase (diastole), leading to impaired filling of the ventricles. This results in decreased blood supply to the body. Systolic heart failure, on the other hand, is characterized by the heart's inability to contract effectively during the ejection phase (systole). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy involves abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, affecting its function. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is characterized by stiffening of the heart muscle, impairing its ability to relax and fill properly, but it is different from diastolic heart failure.