Cardiovascular System Exam Questions

Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Related

Review Cardiovascular System Exam Questions related questions and content

What test measures the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time, typically 24 to 48 hours?

  • A. Holter monitor
  • B. Echocardiogram
  • C. Stress test
  • D. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Holter monitor. A Holter monitor is a device that measures the electrical activity of the heart over an extended period, usually 24 to 48 hours. It is used to detect abnormal heart rhythms and assess how the heart responds to daily activities.

Explanation:
1. The Holter monitor records the heart's electrical activity continuously, providing a detailed analysis of any irregularities.
2. Unlike an echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create images of the heart, the Holter monitor focuses on monitoring electrical signals.
3. A stress test evaluates the heart's performance under physical stress, not over an extended period like the Holter monitor.
4. Arterial blood gas (ABG) measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, not the heart's electrical activity.

In summary, the Holter monitor is the correct choice as it specifically measures the heart's electrical activity over an extended timeframe, distinguishing it from the other options.

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Which condition is caused by a bacterium that primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body?

  • A. Tuberculosis
  • B. Pneumonia
  • C. Legionnaires' disease
  • D. Histoplasmosis
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This bacterium specifically targets the lungs, leading to symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. In contrast, Pneumonia (B) is commonly caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi affecting the lungs but doesn't specifically spread to other body parts like TB. Legionnaires' disease (C) is caused by Legionella bacteria and primarily affects the lungs, but it does not have the same capability to spread to other body parts like TB. Histoplasmosis (D) is a fungal infection that primarily affects the lungs but does not spread to other parts of the body in the same way as tuberculosis.

Which of the following should the nurse identify as the earliest symptom of heart failure in many older clients?

  • A. Increased urine output
  • B. Swollen joints
  • C. Dyspnea on exertion
  • D. Nausea and vomiting
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Dyspnea on exertion is often the first noticeable symptom of heart failure due to reduced cardiac output and pulmonary congestion.

At 9:00 pm, you admit a 63-year-old with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) to the ED. The physician is considering the use of fibrinolytic therapy with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA, alteplase). Which information is most important to communicate to the physician?

  • A. The patient was treated with alteplase about 8 months ago.
  • B. The patient takes famotidine (Pepcid) for esophageal reflux.
  • C. The patient has T wave inversions on the 12-lead ECG.
  • D. The patient has had continuous chest pain since 1:00 pM.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Continuous chest pain indicates ongoing ischemia, making the patient a candidate for fibrinolytic therapy within the therapeutic window.

The most realistic discharge goal for Mrs. G., with a history of compensated congestive heart failure, is

  • A. Knowledge of illness and treatment
  • B. Absence of signs of congestive failure
  • C. Total decompensation for failure
  • D. Avoidance of all stress
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Achieving stability is a practical goal.

Which heart chamber receives oxygenated blood from the four pulmonary veins and serves as a reservoir during ventricular systole?

  • A. Right atrium
  • B. Left atrium
  • C. Right ventricle
  • D. Left ventricle
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Left atrium. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins, acting as a reservoir during ventricular systole. This blood is then pumped into the left ventricle for distribution to the body. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body via the vena cavae. The right ventricle pumps this blood to the lungs for oxygenation. The left ventricle is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. Therefore, the left atrium is the correct choice based on its role in receiving oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins.

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