ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. 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.
2. Which of the following is a type of heart valve disease where the aortic valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body?
- A. Aortic stenosis
- B. Mitral stenosis
- C. Tricuspid regurgitation
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Aortic stenosis. In aortic stenosis, the aortic valve becomes narrowed, which obstructs the blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. This condition can lead to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Mitral stenosis (choice B) involves narrowing of the mitral valve, not the aortic valve. Tricuspid regurgitation (choice C) is a condition where the tricuspid valve leaks, causing blood to flow backward in the heart. Pulmonary hypertension (choice D) is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.
3. Where is the impulse from the SA node delayed, enabling atrial contraction to complete before the ventricles are stimulated and contract?
- A. AV node
- B. Bundle of His
- C. SA node
- D. Aorta
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is AV node. The AV node is responsible for delaying the impulse from the SA node, allowing the atria to contract before the ventricles. This delay ensures the effective pumping of blood in a coordinated manner. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the Bundle of His is responsible for transmitting the impulse to the Purkinje fibers, the SA node is the pacemaker of the heart responsible for initiating the heartbeat, and the aorta is the main artery carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the body, respectively, none of which are involved in delaying the impulse to allow atrial contraction before ventricular contraction.
4. Which condition is characterized by the sudden onset of shortness of breath, often occurring at night and associated with heart failure?
- A. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
- B. Sleep apnea
- C. Orthopnea
- D. Dyspnea
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is the correct answer. It is characterized by the sudden onset of shortness of breath during sleep, often associated with heart failure. Choice B, Sleep apnea, involves pauses in breathing during sleep but is not specifically associated with heart failure. Choice C, Orthopnea, is difficulty breathing that occurs when lying down and is relieved by sitting up, not necessarily associated with heart failure. Choice D, Dyspnea, is a general term for difficulty breathing and does not specifically describe the sudden onset at night associated with heart failure as seen in paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.
5. What test measures the oxygen level in the blood, often used to monitor patients with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions?
- A. Pulse oximetry
- B. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
- C. Echocardiogram
- D. Chest X-ray
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pulse oximetry. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive test that measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood, commonly used to monitor respiratory and cardiovascular health. Arterial blood gas (ABG) measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, providing more detailed information than pulse oximetry. Echocardiogram is an ultrasound test used to visualize the heart's structure and function, while a chest X-ray is used to visualize the structures in the chest, such as the heart, lungs, and bones.
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