ATI RN
NCLEX Practice Questions Cardiovascular System Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which venous layer is poorly developed?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In veins, the tunica media (smooth muscle layer) is poorly developed compared to arteries, as veins rely more on valves and external forces (e.g., muscle pump) than muscle contraction for blood movement.
Question 2 of 5
Which concentration would be an indication of anemia?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Normal RBC count is 4.5-5.9 million/mm³ (men) or 4.0-5.2 million/mm³ (women). 3.8 million/mm³ is below normal (assuming male; still low for female), indicating anemia. Thrombocytes are normal (150,000-450,000), hematocrit 43% is normal (38-50%), and hemoglobin 17 g/dL is normal.
Question 3 of 5
Production of red blood cells in a mature adult occurs in all the following areas except the:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In adults, RBC production (erythropoiesis) occurs in red bone marrow of flat bones (sternum, skull, vertebrae) and proximal ends of long bones. The femur’s shaft in adults is mostly yellow marrow, not active in erythropoiesis.
Question 4 of 5
Rise in the carotid sinus pressure leads to
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The carotid sinus baroreceptors detect increased pressure, triggering a reflex via the vagus nerve (parasympathetic) to slow heart rate (bradycardia) and reduce blood pressure. Hypercapnia (high CO₂) and hyperpnea (increased breathing) are unrelated, and tachycardia would counter the response.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client in a cardiac telemetry unit and notes the image above on the client's EKG strip. Which electrolyte value should the nurse be concerned about?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The EKG shows inverted T-waves, a hallmark of hypokalemia (low potassium, A), which affects repolarization. Calcium (B) impacts rate/contractility, not T-waves, and chloride (C) and sodium (D) abnormalities don’t typically cause this pattern. (Source: Document, p. 10-11; assumes image context)