ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which test measures how much and how quickly you can move air out of your lungs?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Spirometry is the correct answer because it measures the volume of air exhaled in a specific time frame, assessing lung function and capacity. It is commonly used to diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD. Peak flow meter measures only the maximum speed of exhalation, not volume. Lung volume test measures the total lung capacity, not the speed of air movement. Arterial blood gas measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, not lung function.
Question 2 of 9
The client on amiodarone develops symptoms of hypothyroidism. What is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is C: Monitor the client's thyroid function tests regularly. This is the best approach because amiodarone can cause hypothyroidism, so monitoring thyroid function tests allows early detection and appropriate management. Option A is not necessary unless the client presents with severe symptoms. Option B is incorrect as hypothyroidism is a serious side effect that requires monitoring and possible treatment adjustments. Option D is not recommended as abruptly stopping amiodarone can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Regular monitoring ensures timely intervention if thyroid levels are abnormal.
Question 3 of 9
If Dr. Baker complains of loss of appetite and nausea after starting chlorothiazide, it would be important to
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Chlorothiazide can affect electrolyte balance, requiring monitoring.
Question 4 of 9
You are the charge nurse for the coronary care step-down unit. Which patient is best to assign to an RN who has floated for the day from the general medical-surgical unit?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Discharge teaching is less complex and allows the floating RN to focus on educating without needing extensive cardiac experience.
Question 5 of 9
Which type of medication helps to reduce blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Calcium channel blocker. These medications work by blocking calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels, causing them to relax and dilate, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure. ACE inhibitors (B) work by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, causing blood vessels to dilate. Beta-blockers (C) decrease heart rate and contractility but do not directly relax blood vessels. Diuretics (D) increase urine output to lower blood volume and pressure but do not directly act on blood vessels.
Question 6 of 9
Which condition is characterized by the right ventricle of the heart failing due to increased pressure in the lungs, often caused by chronic lung disease?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cor pulmonale. This condition is characterized by right ventricle failure due to increased pulmonary pressure from chronic lung disease. Step 1: Chronic lung disease causes increased pressure in the lungs. Step 2: The increased pressure in the lungs leads to the right ventricle of the heart working harder to pump blood through the lungs. Step 3: Over time, this increased workload can cause right ventricular failure, known as cor pulmonale. Summary: B is incorrect as pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage of an artery in the lungs. C is incorrect as aortic stenosis involves narrowing of the aortic valve, affecting the left ventricle. D is incorrect as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic condition causing thickening of the heart muscle.
Question 7 of 9
Which heart chamber ejects blood into the lungs via the pulmonary artery?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, the right ventricle. The right ventricle is responsible for pumping deoxygenated blood to the lungs via the pulmonary artery for oxygenation. This process occurs during the pulmonary circulation phase of the cardiac cycle. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body and pumps it into the right ventricle. The right ventricle then contracts to push the blood through the pulmonary valve and into the pulmonary artery. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs, which is then pumped into the left ventricle for distribution to the rest of the body. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly involve the ejection of blood into the lungs via the pulmonary artery.
Question 8 of 9
What is a type of medication that helps to prevent blood clots by thinning the blood?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anticoagulant. Anticoagulants prevent blood clots by inhibiting the blood's ability to clot. They do not actually thin the blood, but rather prevent clots from forming. Beta-blockers (B), ACE inhibitors (C), and Calcium channel blockers (D) are not used to prevent blood clots. Beta-blockers are used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions, ACE inhibitors are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, and Calcium channel blockers are used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions.
Question 9 of 9
Which of the following dietary recommendations should a nurse give a client taking diuretics?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diuretics can deplete potassium levels, so including potassium-rich foods helps maintain electrolyte balance.