ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam
1. Which condition occurs when the heart muscle is damaged due to a lack of oxygen, often resulting from a heart attack?
- A. Myocardial infarction
- B. Angina
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Pulmonary embolism
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, is the condition where the heart muscle is damaged due to a lack of oxygen, typically caused by a blocked coronary artery. Angina (choice B) is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Pericarditis (choice C) is the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. Pulmonary embolism (choice D) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, often caused by a blood clot.
2. Which chronic condition is characterized by abnormally thickened heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently?
- A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- B. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Ventricular hypertrophy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the correct answer. In this condition, the heart muscle becomes abnormally thickened, leading to difficulties in pumping blood efficiently. Dilated cardiomyopathy (choice B) involves the enlargement of the heart chambers, not thickening of the heart muscle. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (choice C) is characterized by stiffening of the heart muscle, impairing its ability to fill properly. Ventricular hypertrophy (choice D) refers to the thickening of the heart's ventricle walls, which can result from various conditions, not solely hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
3. The client is being taught about the use of warfarin. What is the most important dietary instruction?
- A. Avoid foods high in vitamin K.
- B. Increase the intake of vitamin K-rich foods.
- C. Avoid foods high in protein.
- D. Increase the intake of foods high in calcium.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid foods high in vitamin K. Warfarin is a medication that works by decreasing the activity of vitamin K in the body to prevent blood clotting. Therefore, consuming foods high in vitamin K like green leafy vegetables can interfere with the medication's effectiveness. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Increasing the intake of vitamin K-rich foods would counteract the effects of warfarin. Avoiding foods high in protein or increasing the intake of foods high in calcium are not specifically related to the use of warfarin.
4. 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.
5. What condition is characterized by the inflammation of the heart's outer lining, often causing chest pain and other symptoms?
- A. Pericarditis
- B. Endocarditis
- C. Myocarditis
- D. Valvular heart disease
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pericarditis is the correct answer because it is the inflammation of the pericardium, the outer lining of the heart. This condition commonly presents with symptoms like chest pain. Endocarditis (choice B) is the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. Myocarditis (choice C) is the inflammation of the heart muscle itself. Valvular heart disease (choice D) refers to various conditions affecting the heart valves, not specifically the outer lining of the heart.
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