ATI RN
NCLEX Practice Questions Cardiovascular System Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which type of blood cell is involved in the clotting mechanism of blood?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Platelets (thrombocytes) are critical for blood clotting, aggregating at injury sites and releasing clotting factors. Neutrophils and eosinophils fight infection, and lymphocytes are immune cells, not directly involved in clotting.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse auscultates bibasilar inspiratory crackles in a newly admitted 68 year-old client with a diagnosis of congestive heart disease. Which of the following symptoms is MOST likely to occur?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bibasilar crackles indicate pulmonary edema from left-sided congestive heart failure, often accompanied by peripheral edema due to fluid retention from right heart failure. Chest pain is less specific, and clubbing is linked to chronic hypoxia, not acute CHF.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is admitted to the hospital for a carotid angiogram with stent placement. The patient's spouse states, 'I don’t want my spouse to find out there is a risk of a stroke connected with this procedure because they won’t sign the consent form.' The cardiac-vascular nurse’s most appropriate action is to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse must ensure the patient’s informed consent by assessing their understanding of risks (e.g., stroke), benefits, and alternatives, respecting autonomy. B misleads, C avoids full disclosure, and D is procedural, not ethical.
Question 4 of 5
The pulmonary circulation is responsible for:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pulmonary circulation specifically refers to the movement of blood between the heart and lungs. It begins when the right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary arteries, carrying it to the lungs (Choice B). Choice A describes systemic circulation, Choice C is the return phase (via pulmonary veins to the left atrium), and Choice D is the role of the vena cavae, not pulmonary circulation.
Question 5 of 5
The medical term for a heart attack is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A heart attack is medically termed myocardial infarction (Choice B), referring to the death of heart muscle (myocardium) due to prolonged lack of oxygen, typically from a blocked coronary artery. Myocarditis (Choice A) is heart muscle inflammation, endocarditis (Choice C) is infection of the heart’s inner lining, and pericarditis (Choice D) is inflammation of the heart’s outer sac—none describe a heart attack. Choice B is correct.