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Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. 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.
2. What is a chronic condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Hypotension
- C. Hyperlipidemia
- D. Hyperglycemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic condition characterized by persistently elevated pressure in the arteries. This condition increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health issues. Hypotension (choice B) refers to low blood pressure and is not the correct answer. Hyperlipidemia (choice C) is high levels of fats in the blood, not related to blood pressure. Hyperglycemia (choice D) is high blood sugar levels, not directly related to elevated blood pressure.
3. The nurse is giving nitroglycerin sublingually for chest pain. What is the most important instruction to give to the client?
- A. Place the tablet under the tongue and let it dissolve completely.
- B. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
- C. Chew the tablet and then swallow it.
- D. Take one tablet every 5 minutes until pain is relieved.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The tablet should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve completely to ensure rapid absorption. This route of administration allows the medication to be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Choice B is incorrect because nitroglycerin is meant to be absorbed sublingually, not swallowed. Choice C is incorrect as chewing the tablet can cause the medication to be rapidly absorbed, leading to adverse effects like a drop in blood pressure. Choice D is incorrect because the client should take only one tablet every 5 minutes up to a maximum of three tablets for chest pain relief.
4. Which test uses sound waves to create images of the heart, allowing doctors to assess its structure and function?
- A. Echocardiogram
- B. MRI
- C. CT scan
- D. X-ray
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart, enabling doctors to assess its structure and function. This imaging technique is particularly useful in detecting abnormalities such as valve disease. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because MRI, CT scans, and X-rays use different imaging technologies that do not rely on sound waves to visualize the heart.
5. What is the average cardiac output?
- A. Approximately 4 to 6 L per minute
- B. Approximately 4 to 8 L per minute
- C. Approximately 5 to 8 L per minute
- D. Approximately 3 to 7 L per minute
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Approximately 4 to 8 L per minute. Cardiac output is defined as the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, typically ranging between 4 to 8 liters. Choices A, C, and D provide ranges that are either too narrow or outside the standard average values for cardiac output, making them incorrect.
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