ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which term refers to the contraction phase of the heart when blood is ejected from the chambers?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Systole. During systole, the heart muscle contracts to pump blood out of the chambers. This phase is essential for delivering oxygenated blood to the body. Diastole (B) is the relaxation phase when the heart fills with blood. Contractility (C) refers to the heart's ability to contract, not a specific phase. Afterload (D) is the pressure the heart must pump against to eject blood, not a phase of the cardiac cycle. Therefore, the term that specifically refers to the contraction phase of the heart is systole.
Question 2 of 5
What is a condition where the airways become inflamed and narrow, making breathing difficult?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Asthma is the correct answer because it is a condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty in breathing. This is due to various triggers causing the airways to become inflamed, swollen, and produce excess mucus, resulting in constriction and breathing difficulties. Bronchitis, Pleurisy, and Tuberculosis do not directly involve narrowing of the airways as their primary mechanism, making them incorrect choices. Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, Pleurisy is inflammation of the lining around the lungs, and Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs.
Question 3 of 5
Which medication relaxes the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bronchodilator. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways, leading to airway dilation and improved airflow. This helps in easing breathing difficulties in conditions like asthma and COPD. Corticosteroids (B) reduce inflammation, antihistamines (C) block histamine effects, and mucolytics (D) help in thinning mucus but do not directly relax airway muscles like bronchodilators do.
Question 4 of 5
What is a type of pneumonia that is contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Legionnaires' disease. Legionnaires' disease is caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. These bacteria thrive in warm water, such as in air conditioning systems and hot tubs. The symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include high fever, cough, and shortness of breath. B: Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. C: Asbestosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, not contaminated water droplets. D: Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by inhaling spores found in soil with bird or bat droppings, not contaminated water droplets.
Question 5 of 5
What is a procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space to help a patient breathe easier?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Thoracentesis is the correct answer because it is a procedure used to remove fluid or air from the pleural space, which can help a patient breathe easier. The steps involved in thoracentesis include identifying the location for insertion, numbing the area with local anesthesia, inserting a needle or catheter into the pleural space, draining the fluid or air, and monitoring the patient for any complications. Summary: - B: Bronchoscopy is a procedure used to visualize the airways and diagnose lung conditions, not to remove fluid or air from the pleural space. - C: Chest X-ray is an imaging test used to visualize the chest area and diagnose various conditions, but it does not involve removing fluid or air from the pleural space. - D: CT scan is an imaging test that provides detailed images of the internal structures of the body, but it is not a procedure for removing fluid or air from the pleural space.