ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
This heart condition is characterized by decreased cardiac output and tissue perfusion, which can lead to organ failure.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiogenic shock. Cardiogenic shock is characterized by decreased cardiac output and tissue perfusion due to the heart's inability to pump effectively, leading to organ failure. This condition is a result of heart failure or myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction (choice B) is a cause of cardiogenic shock, but not the specific condition described. Endocarditis (choice C) and pericarditis (choice D) do not directly result in decreased cardiac output and tissue perfusion leading to organ failure like cardiogenic shock does.
Question 2 of 5
Which term refers to the contraction phase of the heart when blood is ejected from the chambers?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Systole. During systole, the heart muscle contracts to pump blood out of the chambers. This phase is essential for delivering oxygenated blood to the body. Diastole (B) is the relaxation phase when the heart fills with blood. Contractility (C) refers to the heart's ability to contract, not a specific phase. Afterload (D) is the pressure the heart must pump against to eject blood, not a phase of the cardiac cycle. Therefore, the term that specifically refers to the contraction phase of the heart is systole.
Question 3 of 5
What is the accumulation of fatty deposits along the walls of arteries, leading to reduced blood flow?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Atherosclerosis is the correct answer because it specifically refers to the accumulation of fatty deposits in arteries, causing reduced blood flow. Arteriosclerosis is a general term for thickening and hardening of arteries, not necessarily due to fatty deposits. Aneurysm is a localized, abnormal dilation of a blood vessel, not related to fatty deposits. Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel, not the accumulation of fatty deposits.
Question 4 of 5
What is a condition where the airways become inflamed and narrow, making breathing difficult?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Asthma is the correct answer because it is a condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty in breathing. This is due to various triggers causing the airways to become inflamed, swollen, and produce excess mucus, resulting in constriction and breathing difficulties. Bronchitis, Pleurisy, and Tuberculosis do not directly involve narrowing of the airways as their primary mechanism, making them incorrect choices. Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, Pleurisy is inflammation of the lining around the lungs, and Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs.
Question 5 of 5
Which medication relaxes the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bronchodilator. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways, leading to airway dilation and improved airflow. This helps in easing breathing difficulties in conditions like asthma and COPD. Corticosteroids (B) reduce inflammation, antihistamines (C) block histamine effects, and mucolytics (D) help in thinning mucus but do not directly relax airway muscles like bronchodilators do.