ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
This is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart failure. In heart failure, the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue. This condition can result from various causes like hypertension or heart attacks. Cardiomyopathy (B) refers to diseases of the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure but is not the same thing. Myocarditis (C) is inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis (D) is inflammation of the pericardium, both of which can cause heart failure but are not the primary condition described in the question.
Question 2 of 5
Which type of medication helps to reduce blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Calcium channel blocker. These medications work by blocking calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels, causing them to relax and dilate, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure. ACE inhibitors (B) work by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, causing blood vessels to dilate. Beta-blockers (C) decrease heart rate and contractility but do not directly relax blood vessels. Diuretics (D) increase urine output to lower blood volume and pressure but do not directly act on blood vessels.
Question 3 of 5
Which procedure is used to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients with arrhythmias, typically using electrical shocks?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sure! Cardioversion is the correct answer because it is the procedure used to restore normal heart rhythm in patients with arrhythmias by delivering synchronized electrical shocks. This method is specifically used for irregular heart rhythms that are not immediately life-threatening. Defibrillation, while also using electrical shocks, is used for life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation. Ablation involves the destruction of abnormal heart tissue causing arrhythmias, and angioplasty is a procedure to open blocked arteries, not related to restoring heart rhythm.
Question 4 of 5
What is a type of medication that helps to prevent blood clots by thinning the blood?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anticoagulant. Anticoagulants prevent blood clots by inhibiting the blood's ability to clot. They do not actually thin the blood, but rather prevent clots from forming. Beta-blockers (B), ACE inhibitors (C), and Calcium channel blockers (D) are not used to prevent blood clots. Beta-blockers are used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions, ACE inhibitors are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, and Calcium channel blockers are used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions.
Question 5 of 5
What procedure uses a catheter to open blocked coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart muscle?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Angioplasty. Angioplasty involves using a catheter with a balloon to open blocked coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. The balloon is inflated to compress the plaque against the artery walls, restoring blood flow. Stent placement (B) involves inserting a mesh tube to keep the artery open after angioplasty. CABG (C) is a surgical procedure that uses grafts to bypass blocked coronary arteries. Valve replacement (D) is a procedure to replace damaged heart valves, not specifically for opening blocked coronary arteries.