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Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers
1. What type of medication is used to reduce high blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels?
- A. Calcium channel blocker
- B. Beta-blocker
- C. ACE inhibitor
- D. Diuretic
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Calcium channel blockers are medications that reduce high blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels, facilitating easier blood flow through the vessels. Beta-blockers work by reducing the heart rate and the heart's workload. ACE inhibitors help relax blood vessels by blocking the production of a chemical that narrows blood vessels. Diuretics help the body get rid of excess sodium and water to lower blood pressure, but they do not directly relax blood vessels like calcium channel blockers do.
2. Which condition is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways resulting in excess mucus production, leading to frequent coughing and breathing difficulties?
- A. Chronic bronchitis
- B. Asthma
- C. Pneumonia
- D. COPD
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis involves long-term inflammation of the bronchi, leading to excessive mucus production, frequent coughing, and breathing difficulties. Asthma (B) is characterized by reversible airway obstruction and bronchospasms. Pneumonia (C) is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. COPD (D) is a term used to describe chronic lung diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.
3. What is a condition where the lung's air sacs (alveoli) are damaged and enlarged, leading to breathlessness?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Chronic bronchitis
- C. Asthma
- D. Pulmonary fibrosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Emphysema is the correct answer. It is a condition where the air sacs in the lungs are damaged and enlarged, leading to breathlessness. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not the alveoli. Asthma involves airway inflammation and constriction, not alveolar damage. Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition where lung tissue becomes thickened and scarred, different from the alveolar damage seen in emphysema.
4. What is a condition where the heart's ability to pump blood is reduced because the heart muscle is enlarged, thickened, or stiffened?
- A. Cardiomyopathy
- B. Endocarditis
- C. Myocarditis
- D. Aortic stenosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Cardiomyopathy is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the enlargement, thickening, or stiffening of the heart muscle, leading to a reduced ability of the heart to pump blood effectively. Endocarditis (Choice B) is the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, not specifically related to the heart muscle. Myocarditis (Choice C) is inflammation of the heart muscle typically caused by a viral infection, not directly related to the heart muscle's structure. Aortic stenosis (Choice D) is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the aortic valve opening, affecting blood flow from the heart's left ventricle to the aorta, different from the structural changes seen in cardiomyopathy.
5. The nurse is caring for a client on warfarin with an INR of 5.2. What is the most appropriate action?
- A. Administer vitamin K as an antidote.
- B. Hold the next dose of warfarin.
- C. Increase the dose of warfarin.
- D. Monitor the client’s INR closely.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: An INR of 5.2 is elevated, indicating an increased risk of bleeding. Administering vitamin K can help reverse the effects of warfarin, which is the most appropriate action in this situation. Holding the next dose of warfarin is not enough to address the high INR, and increasing the dose would further elevate the INR level. Monitoring the INR closely is important, but in this case, immediate action is needed to counteract the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
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