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Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. The healthcare provider is administering IV nitroglycerin to a patient for chest pain. What is the most critical parameter to monitor?
- A. Heart rate
- B. Blood pressure
- C. Oxygen saturation
- D. Respiratory rate
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Blood pressure.' Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure, leading to hypotension. Monitoring the blood pressure is crucial to prevent potential complications such as hypotension-induced dizziness, syncope, or organ hypoperfusion. While heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate are important parameters to monitor in a clinical setting, the immediate concern with IV nitroglycerin administration is the risk of hypotension, making blood pressure the most critical parameter to assess.
2. Which of the following is a chronic lung disease that results in the gradual destruction of the alveoli, causing difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen exchange?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Pulmonary hypertension
- D. Sarcoidosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Emphysema is the correct answer as it is a chronic lung disease characterized by the gradual destruction of the alveoli, which are essential for oxygen exchange. This destruction leads to difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen levels in the blood. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not specifically involving alveoli destruction. Pulmonary hypertension is a condition of high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, not directly related to alveoli destruction. Sarcoidosis is a disease characterized by the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells in different parts of the body, including the lungs, but it does not primarily involve the destruction of alveoli.
3. After the AV node, the electrical impulse is then transmitted into the _________, and into the _________.
- A. Purkinje fibers, ventricles
- B. Atria, ventricles
- C. Bundle of His, Purkinje fibers
- D. Ventricles, Purkinje fibers
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. After the AV node, the electrical impulse is transmitted to the Bundle of His and then to the Purkinje fibers. This sequence is crucial for the coordinated contraction of the ventricles. Choice A (Purkinje fibers, ventricles) is incorrect because the Purkinje fibers come after the Bundle of His in the sequence of electrical conduction. Choice B (Atria, ventricles) is incorrect because the impulse does not go back to the atria after passing through the AV node. Choice D (Ventricles, Purkinje fibers) is incorrect because the impulse first reaches the Bundle of His before spreading to the Purkinje fibers.
4. What is a condition where the heart's electrical system malfunctions, leading to an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia?
- A. Arrhythmia
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Ventricular fibrillation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Arrhythmia. Arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat caused by the malfunction of the heart's electrical system. Bradycardia (choice B) is a condition characterized by a slow heart rate, while Tachycardia (choice C) is a condition characterized by a fast heart rate. Ventricular fibrillation (choice D) is a life-threatening arrhythmia where the heart's lower chambers quiver erratically.
5. The healthcare provider is monitoring a client receiving lidocaine IV. What side effect is the healthcare provider most concerned about?
- A. Severe headache
- B. Nausea and vomiting
- C. Seizures
- D. Tremors
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Seizures are the most concerning side effect of lidocaine IV administration due to its potential to indicate lidocaine toxicity, which can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular collapse. Headache, nausea, and tremors are not typically associated with lidocaine IV and are less concerning compared to seizures in this context.
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