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Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers
1. What is a condition where the heart's electrical impulses are blocked or delayed, leading to a slower or irregular heartbeat?
- A. Heart block
- B. Atrial fibrillation
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Bradycardia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Heart block is the correct answer. It is a condition where the electrical impulses in the heart are blocked or delayed, resulting in a slower or irregular heartbeat. This can lead to symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or other issues. Atrial fibrillation (B) is characterized by rapid, irregular heartbeats. Tachycardia (C) is a condition where the heart rate is too fast. Bradycardia (D) is the opposite of tachycardia, where the heart rate is too slow.
2. Which type of medication helps to reduce blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels?
- A. Calcium channel blocker
- B. ACE inhibitor
- C. Beta-blocker
- D. Diuretic
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Calcium channel blocker. Calcium channel blockers work by relaxing the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and reducing blood pressure. Choice B, ACE inhibitor, reduces blood pressure by blocking the production of angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels. Choice C, Beta-blocker, reduces heart rate and the heart's workload, not directly relaxing blood vessels. Choice D, Diuretic, reduces blood pressure by increasing urine output, reducing the volume of fluid in the blood vessels, rather than directly relaxing them.
3. What is a condition where the pulmonary arteries become blocked by a blood clot, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms?
- A. Pulmonary embolism
- B. Pneumothorax
- C. Pulmonary edema
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is a condition where a blood clot blocks one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, resulting in symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and other related signs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because pneumothorax refers to a collapsed lung, pulmonary edema is the build-up of fluid in the lungs, and pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs - none of which directly involve a blood clot blocking the pulmonary arteries.
4. What is a blood clot that forms in a vein, often in the legs, and can cause serious complications if it travels to the lungs?
- A. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- B. Pulmonary embolism
- C. Varicose veins
- D. Atherosclerosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs, and can lead to serious complications if it breaks loose and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Varicose veins (choice C) are enlarged, twisted veins usually found in the legs but are not related to blood clots. Atherosclerosis (choice D) is a condition where arteries become narrowed and hardened due to a buildup of plaque, not directly related to blood clots.
5. What is a chronic condition where the heart muscle becomes weakened and enlarged, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively?
- A. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- B. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- C. Myocarditis
- D. Pericarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle, leading to its reduced ability to pump blood effectively. This condition is different from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which involves abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis, which is inflammation of the pericardium. Therefore, the correct answer is Dilated cardiomyopathy.
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