Cardiovascular System Exam

Cardiovascular System Exam Related

Review Cardiovascular System Exam related questions and content

What is a condition where the walls of the arteries in the lungs become thickened and stiff, leading to increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries?

  • A. Pulmonary hypertension
  • B. Pulmonary fibrosis
  • C. Pulmonary embolism
  • D. Pulmonary edema
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension refers to the condition where the walls of the arteries in the lungs become thickened and stiff, leading to increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This results in the heart having to work harder to pump blood through the lungs, causing potential damage to the heart and lungs over time.

B: Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition characterized by scarring of lung tissue, not thickening and stiffening of artery walls.

C: Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs, usually caused by a blood clot. It does not involve thickening and stiffening of artery walls.

D: Pulmonary edema is a condition where fluid builds up in the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. It is not related to thickened and stiffened artery walls.

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The client is on amiodarone. What is the most important side effect to monitor for?

  • A. Pulmonary toxicity
  • B. Thyroid dysfunction
  • C. Liver toxicity
  • D. Renal dysfunction
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary toxicity. Amiodarone is known to cause potentially fatal pulmonary toxicity, including interstitial pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis. Monitoring for pulmonary symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, and chest pain is crucial. Choice B (Thyroid dysfunction) is a common side effect but is typically less urgent. Choices C (Liver toxicity) and D (Renal dysfunction) are possible side effects of amiodarone, but pulmonary toxicity is the most important to monitor due to its severity and potential fatality.

What is the ability of cardiac cells to generate an electrical impulse without being stimulated by an external source?

  • A. Automaticity
  • B. Contractility
  • C. Conductivity
  • D. Refractoriness
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Automaticity is the ability of cardiac cells to generate an electrical impulse spontaneously without external stimulation. It is a fundamental property of specialized cardiac cells like pacemaker cells. Contractility refers to the ability of muscle cells to contract in response to an electrical stimulus. Conductivity is the ability of cardiac cells to transmit electrical impulses. Refractoriness is the period during which cardiac cells are unable to respond to a new stimulus. Therefore, in this context, the correct answer is A: Automaticity.

Which structure serves as the major chemoreceptor of the heart?

  • A. Carotid body
  • B. Aortic body
  • C. Vagus nerve
  • D. SA node
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Carotid body. The carotid body is the major chemoreceptor of the heart, detecting changes in oxygen levels in the blood. It sends signals via the glossopharyngeal nerve to regulate heart rate and blood pressure. The aortic body primarily monitors blood pressure, not chemoreception. The vagus nerve plays a role in regulating heart rate but is not a chemoreceptor. The SA node is the pacemaker of the heart, responsible for initiating the electrical signals for heart contraction, not chemoreception. Therefore, the carotid body is the correct choice for the major chemoreceptor of the heart.

What is a condition characterized by episodes of severe, acute shortness of breath, often occurring at night?

  • A. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
  • B. Sleep apnea
  • C. Orthopnea
  • D. Dyspnea
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. This condition is characterized by sudden, severe shortness of breath at night. It can be caused by heart failure or other cardiac conditions. Sleep apnea (B) is a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, not specifically related to acute shortness of breath. Orthopnea (C) is difficulty breathing while lying flat and is not specific to nighttime episodes. Dyspnea (D) is a general term for difficulty breathing and does not specifically refer to acute episodes at night.

What is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed due to the buildup of plaque?

  • A. Atherosclerosis
  • B. Aneurysm
  • C. Arrhythmia
  • D. Peripheral artery disease
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the condition where arteries supplying blood to the heart become hardened and narrowed due to plaque buildup, leading to decreased blood flow and potential heart issues. Aneurysm (B) is the weakening and bulging of an artery wall, not related to plaque buildup. Arrhythmia (C) is an irregular heartbeat, not directly related to arterial blockages. Peripheral artery disease (D) involves narrowing of arteries in the limbs, not specifically related to the heart. Thus, Atherosclerosis is the most fitting choice for the given condition.

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