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 completing a nursing admission history, you obtain this information about the patient's cardiovascular risk factors: patient's mother and two siblings have had myocardial infarctions. Patient smokes and has a 20 pack/year history of cigarette use. Her work as a mail carrier involves a lot of walking. She takes metoprolol (Lopressor) for hypertension and her blood pressure has been in the range of 130/60 to 140/85. Which interventions will be most important to include in the discharge plan? (Choose all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Smoking cessation is crucial given her history and risk factors.
Question 3 of 9
This is a more accurate indicator of tissue perfusion. It represents the cardiac output in terms of liters per minute per square meter of body surface area. Its normal range is 2.4-4 L/min.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiac Index. Cardiac Index is a more accurate indicator of tissue perfusion as it takes into account the individual's body surface area, providing a more standardized measure. It is calculated by dividing the cardiac output by body surface area. This normalization allows for a more precise assessment of tissue perfusion compared to just cardiac output alone. The normal range of Cardiac Index is 2.4-4 L/min/m^2. Summary: - Choice B (Stroke volume) is incorrect because it is the volume of blood pumped out by the heart with each heartbeat, not accounting for body surface area. - Choice C (Ejection fraction) is incorrect because it is the percentage of blood ejected from the heart's left ventricle with each heartbeat, not adjusted for body surface area. - Choice D (Cardiac output) is incorrect because it doesn't consider the individual's body surface area, making it less accurate in assessing tissue perfusion.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is caring for a client on digoxin. What is the most important assessment before administering this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Check the client's heart rate. Before administering digoxin, it is crucial to assess the client's heart rate as digoxin can cause bradycardia or arrhythmias. Monitoring the heart rate helps to determine if the client is at risk of experiencing these adverse effects. Checking blood pressure, respiratory rate, or oxygen saturation is important but not as crucial as assessing the heart rate when administering digoxin. Bradycardia is a common adverse effect of digoxin, so assessing the heart rate is the priority.
Question 5 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 6 of 9
Which neurotransmitter is released by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to increase heart rate and the force of contraction of the heart?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is released by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to increase heart rate and the force of contraction. This neurotransmitter acts on beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, leading to these effects. Epinephrine (choice B) is also released by the SNS and acts similarly to norepinephrine but is not as specific for the heart's beta-1 receptors. Dopamine (choice C) primarily acts as a precursor to norepinephrine and epinephrine and does not directly increase heart rate or force of contraction. Acetylcholine (choice D) is released by the parasympathetic nervous system and decreases heart rate and the force of contraction.
Question 7 of 9
What is a device that delivers a fine spray of medication into the airways?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nebulizer. A nebulizer is a device that delivers medication in the form of a fine spray into the airways, making it easier for the patient to inhale the medication and reach the lungs. It is commonly used for treating respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. Inhalers (B) deliver medication in a different format, through a measured dose of medication in aerosol form. Oxygen concentrators (C) provide supplemental oxygen and do not deliver medication. Peak flow meters (D) are used to measure the peak expiratory flow rate and are not used to deliver medication.
Question 8 of 9
Which heart chamber ejects blood into the systemic arterial circulation via the aorta?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Left ventricle. The left ventricle is responsible for ejecting oxygenated blood into the systemic arterial circulation via the aorta. It receives oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium and pumps it out through the aorta to the rest of the body. Rationale: 1. The left ventricle receives blood from the left atrium, which has already been oxygenated in the lungs. 2. It is the chamber that generates the highest pressure to propel blood into the systemic circulation. 3. The aorta is the main artery that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body. 4. The right atrium and right ventricle are involved in pumping deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation, not into the systemic circulation. 5. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs but does not directly eject blood into the systemic arterial circulation.
Question 9 of 9
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.