ATI RN
Questions About the Cardiovascular System Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which is the correct nesting?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct anatomical nesting is heart (the organ), surrounded by the pericardial sac (its protective layers), within the mediastinum (central thoracic region), all enclosed in the thoracic cavity. The pleural space relates to the lungs, not the heart directly.
Question 2 of 5
A person with a blood pressure of 135/75 has a pulse pressure of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pulse pressure is systolic pressure minus diastolic pressure: 135 - 75 = 60 mmHg. This reflects the force of ventricular ejection.
Question 3 of 5
The electrocardiogram (ECG) report on a newly admitted client states that the tracing reflects 'an elevated ST segment.' The nurse is aware that the ST segment represents what physiological process?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The ST segment is a plateau period that represents the depolarization of the ventricular myocardium and follows the QRS complex. Atrial depolarization is represented by the P wave. The T wave represents ventricular repolarization. The initial impulse generated by the SA node precedes the P wave and is not seen on the ECG. (Source: Document, Pretest Answer 2, p. 76)
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a college student who has reported periods of rapid heart rate and palpitations immediately prior to an important examination. The nurse is aware that these changes are likely due to which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rapid heart rate and palpitations before an exam are due to the sympathetic nervous system’s stress response, releasing adrenaline to increase heart rate. The parasympathetic system slows heart rate, and the other options are less directly related to acute stress.
Question 5 of 5
Iron-deficiency anemia:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Iron-deficiency anemia, common in chronic blood loss (e.g., menstruation), depletes iron for hemoglobin. It’s more common in women, doesn’t affect leukocytes, and is typically treated with oral iron (injections are rare).