What characteristic(s) of the pulse should you always assess?
- A. Length of each beat
- B. Strength
- C. Rate
- D. Depth
- E. Rhythm of the beats
Correct Answer: B,C,E
Rationale: When assessing a pulse, you should evaluate its rate (beats per minute), strength (amplitude), and rhythm (regularity) to determine cardiovascular status.
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When auscultated, the heart sounds should sound muffled and distant.
- A. TRUE
- B. FALSE
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: False. Normal heart sounds (S1 and S2) should be clear and distinct, not muffled or distant, which may indicate pathology.
Which heart valve(s) close(s) to produce the S? sound?
- A. Bicuspid valve
- B. Pulmonary valve
- C. Aortic valve
- D. Tricuspid valve
Correct Answer: A,D
Rationale: The S1 sound, or 'lub,' is produced when the atrioventricular valves (bicuspid/mitral and tricuspid) close at the start of systole.
If peripheral pulses can be palpated with each cardiac contraction, the pulses are said to be 'perfusing.'
- A. TRUE
- B. FALSE
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: True. Palpable peripheral pulses with each cardiac contraction indicate adequate perfusion to the extremities.
Describe the difference between cardiac output and stroke volume.
- A. Cardiac output: total blood pumped by heart per minute; Stroke volume: blood pumped per beat
- B. Cardiac output: blood pumped per beat; Stroke volume: total blood pumped per minute
- C. Cardiac output: heart rate; Stroke volume: blood pressure
- D. Cardiac output: blood pressure; Stroke volume: heart rate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cardiac output is the total volume of blood the heart pumps per minute (heart rate ? stroke volume), while stroke volume is the amount of blood pumped per heartbeat.
To assess the blood pressure on the upper arm, you should place the stethoscope over which artery? Located at which site?
- A. Brachial artery; antecubital fossa
- B. Radial artery; wrist
- C. Femoral artery; groin
- D. Popliteal artery; knee
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The brachial artery, located in the antecubital fossa, is used for blood pressure measurement as it provides accurate readings of systemic pressure.
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