ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam
1. What condition involves the heart's electrical system malfunctioning, causing very fast heartbeats originating from the ventricles?
- A. Ventricular tachycardia
- B. Atrial fibrillation
- C. Supraventricular tachycardia
- D. Bradycardia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Ventricular tachycardia is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the heart's electrical system malfunctioning, leading to very fast heartbeats originating from the ventricles. Ventricular tachycardia can be life-threatening as it may progress to ventricular fibrillation, causing cardiac arrest. Atrial fibrillation (choice B) involves rapid, irregular beating of the atria, not the ventricles. Supraventricular tachycardia (choice C) originates above the ventricles and does not involve ventricular malfunction. Bradycardia (choice D) is the opposite of tachycardia, characterized by an abnormally slow heart rate.
2. What is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs, and can lead to serious complications if it travels to the lungs?
- A. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- B. Pulmonary embolism
- C. Varicose veins
- D. Raynaud's disease
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. If the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, it can lead to a serious condition called a pulmonary embolism. Choice B, pulmonary embolism, is incorrect as it is the consequence of a DVT clot traveling to the lungs, not the initial condition. Choices C and D, varicose veins, and Raynaud's disease, respectively, are unrelated conditions to the formation of blood clots in deep veins.
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 the condition where the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, becomes inflamed, leading to chest pain and other symptoms?
- A. Pericarditis
- B. Myocarditis
- C. Endocarditis
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pericarditis is the correct answer. It is the inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, which can lead to chest pain and other symptoms. Myocarditis (choice B) is inflammation of the heart muscle, not the pericardium. Endocarditis (choice C) is inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, not the pericardium. Pulmonary hypertension (choice D) is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, not related to pericardial inflammation.
5. Which structure serves as the major chemoreceptor of the heart?
- A. Carotid body
- B. Aortic body
- C. Vagus nerve
- D. SA node
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, the carotid body. The carotid body is the major chemoreceptor of the heart responsible for detecting changes in blood oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels. This specialized structure helps regulate the cardiovascular system's response to maintain appropriate oxygen levels in the blood. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not directly involved in chemoreception in the heart. The aortic body is primarily involved in blood pressure regulation, the vagus nerve is a cranial nerve responsible for parasympathetic innervation, and the SA node is known as the heart's natural pacemaker.
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