ATI RN
100 Questions on the Cardiovascular System PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following organs or structures is not located within the mediastinum?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The mediastinum is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity, containing the heart, esophagus, trachea, and major blood vessels. The lungs, however, are located in the pleural cavities on either side of the mediastinum, not within it.
Question 2 of 5
Edema is not caused by:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Edema results from high blood pressure (increased hydrostatic pressure), protein leakage (reduced osmotic pressure), or lymphatic obstruction. Increased plasma protein concentration raises osmotic pressure, pulling fluid into capillaries, thus preventing edema.
Question 3 of 5
A client has a diagnosis of bacterial endocarditis (affecting the endocardium). The nurse knows that the client's infection is located in the:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The innermost lining of the heart is called the endocardium. The myocardium is the middle, muscle layer of heart tissue. The membrane that surrounds the heart is the pericardium. The mediastinum is the area of the thoracic cavity between the two lungs. (Source: Document, Pretest Answer 1, p. 76)
Question 4 of 5
A client asks the nurse what the higher number in a blood pressure reading means. The nurse responds that the systolic pressure measures the pressure in the:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Systolic pressure (the higher number) measures the pressure in the arteries when the ventricles contract (systole), pumping blood into the systemic circulation. Atrial contraction contributes minimally to arterial pressure, and ventricular filling occurs during diastole.
Question 5 of 5
Erythrocyte production:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Erythropoiesis requires intrinsic factor from gastric juice for B₁₂ absorption; its loss (e.g., pernicious anemia) reduces RBC production. Estrogen doesn’t directly stimulate it, the spleen isn’t a primary site in adults (bone marrow is), and amino acids aren’t a key trigger.