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Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. What is a condition where the walls of the arteries become thickened and stiff, often due to the buildup of plaque, leading to reduced blood flow?
- A. Atherosclerosis
- B. Angina
- C. Hypertension
- D. Arrhythmia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Atherosclerosis is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the thickening and stiffening of artery walls due to plaque buildup, which restricts blood flow. Angina (choice B) is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Hypertension (choice C) is high blood pressure, not directly related to arterial wall thickening. Arrhythmia (choice D) refers to irregular heart rhythms and is not specifically linked to artery wall changes like atherosclerosis.
2. This is the inflammation of the heart's inner lining, usually caused by an infection.
- A. Endocarditis
- B. Myocarditis
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Valvulitis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Endocarditis is the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart's chambers and valves, usually caused by a bacterial infection. Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle, Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium (the outer lining of the heart), and Valvulitis is the inflammation of the heart valves. Therefore, in this case, the correct answer is Endocarditis as it specifically refers to the inflammation of the heart's inner lining.
3. What is the condition where the blood flow through the coronary arteries is reduced or blocked, leading to chest pain or heart attack?
- A. Coronary artery disease
- B. Atherosclerosis
- C. Pulmonary embolism
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD occurs when the coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle and increasing the risk of chest pain or heart attack. Choice B, Atherosclerosis, is a condition characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the buildup of plaque. Choices C and D, Pulmonary embolism and Pulmonary hypertension, involve issues related to the lungs and not the coronary arteries.
4. The client is receiving digoxin and complains of nausea. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Check the client’s digoxin level.
- B. Continue the current dose of digoxin.
- C. Administer an antiemetic for nausea.
- D. Discontinue the digoxin immediately.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client’s digoxin level (Choice A). Nausea can be a sign of digoxin toxicity, so assessing the digoxin level is crucial to determine if the medication dosage needs adjustment. Continuing the current dose of digoxin (Choice B) may worsen the symptoms if toxicity is present. Administering an antiemetic (Choice C) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue of digoxin toxicity. Discontinuing digoxin immediately (Choice D) without assessing the digoxin level can be harmful if the medication is within the therapeutic range.
5. What is a life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly stops beating?
- A. Cardiac arrest
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Heart failure
- D. Atrial fibrillation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Cardiac arrest is the correct answer. It is a sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness, typically resulting in death if not treated immediately. Myocardial infarction (choice B) refers to a heart attack caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries. Heart failure (choice C) is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently. Atrial fibrillation (choice D) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to complications but is not the same as cardiac arrest.
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