ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. Which condition is characterized by the narrowing or blockage of arteries that supply blood to the heart by plaque?
- A. Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- B. Atherosclerosis
- C. Peripheral artery disease
- D. Congestive heart failure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD specifically refers to the condition where the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup. Choice B, Atherosclerosis, is a general term for the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup but does not specifically mention the heart. Choice C, Peripheral artery disease, involves narrowing of arteries that supply blood to areas other than the heart. Choice D, Congestive heart failure, is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively but is not primarily caused by narrowed or blocked arteries.
2. What term describes the phenomenon wherein decreased BP causes a reflex SNS response with increased pulse, increased contractility, and vasoconstriction; and increased BP causes reflex vagal responses resulting in decreased heart rate and passive vasodilation in the systemic arterioles?
- A. Baroreflex
- B. Cheyne-Stokes breathing
- C. Frank-Starling Law
- D. Starling reflex
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Baroreflex. The Baroreflex is a mechanism by which the body maintains blood pressure homeostasis through reflexive adjustments in heart rate and vascular tone. Choice B, Cheyne-Stokes breathing, is a pattern of breathing characterized by progressively deeper and sometimes faster breathing, followed by a gradual decrease that results in a temporary stop in breathing. Choices C and D, Frank-Starling Law and Starling reflex, are related to the intrinsic ability of the heart to adjust its output based on venous return, not specifically regulating blood pressure through reflex adjustments in heart rate and vascular tone as seen in the described phenomenon.
3. What is the amount of blood the heart pumps through the circulatory system in a minute?
- A. Cardiac output
- B. Stroke volume
- C. End-diastolic volume
- D. Ejection fraction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiac output. Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute. It is calculated by multiplying the stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped out of the heart in each beat) by the heart rate (number of heartbeats per minute). This question specifically asks for the total amount of blood pumped through the circulatory system in a minute, which is represented by cardiac output. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because stroke volume refers to the amount of blood pumped out of the heart in each beat, end-diastolic volume is the volume of blood in the heart at the end of diastole, and ejection fraction is the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart with each contraction, not the total amount pumped per minute.
4. Which procedure is used to remove excess fluid or air from the pleural space, helping to relieve pressure on the lungs?
- A. Thoracentesis
- B. Bronchoscopy
- C. Chest X-ray
- D. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Thoracentesis. Thoracentesis is a procedure specifically designed to remove excess fluid or air from the pleural space in the chest. This process helps to relieve pressure on the lungs and improve breathing. Bronchoscopy (Choice B) is a procedure used to visualize the airways and diagnose lung conditions, not to remove fluid from the pleural space. Chest X-ray (Choice C) is an imaging test that provides a picture of the structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart, and bones. Arterial blood gas (ABG) test (Choice D) is a blood test that measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, providing information about how well the lungs are working, but it does not involve removing excess fluid or air from the pleural space.
5. Which of the following is a genetic disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, leading to severe respiratory and digestive problems?
- A. Cystic fibrosis
- B. Pulmonary fibrosis
- C. Pulmonary edema
- D. Bronchiectasis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder characterized by the buildup of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and digestive system, resulting in severe respiratory and digestive issues. Choice B, pulmonary fibrosis, involves scarring and thickening of lung tissue, not excessive mucus production. Choice C, pulmonary edema, refers to fluid accumulation in the lungs, not mucus buildup. Choice D, bronchiectasis, is a condition where the airways in the lungs are damaged and widened, leading to chronic cough and sputum production, but it does not specifically involve the thick, sticky mucus characteristic of cystic fibrosis.
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