ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
This test measures the amount of blood the heart pumps with each beat, often used to assess heart function.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ejection fraction. Ejection fraction is the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart's left ventricle with each contraction. It is a key indicator of heart function and can help diagnose heart conditions such as heart failure. Cardiac output (B) is the total amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute, not the amount pumped with each beat. Stroke volume (C) is the amount of blood pumped by the heart in one contraction, not specifically with each beat. End-diastolic volume (D) is the amount of blood in the ventricle before contraction, not the amount pumped with each beat.
Question 2 of 5
What is a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is consistently too high, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Hypertension is defined as consistently high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. 2. Hypotension is low blood pressure, not associated with increased risk of heart disease or stroke. 3. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder, not directly related to blood pressure. 4. Hyperlipidemia is high levels of fats in the blood, which can contribute to heart disease but not specifically related to high blood pressure. Summary: Hypertension is the correct answer because it specifically refers to high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Hypotension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia are incorrect as they do not directly cause consistently high blood pressure.
Question 3 of 5
What test measures the pressure in the arteries during the contraction and relaxation of the heart?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure test. This test measures the pressure in the arteries during the heart's contraction (systolic pressure) and relaxation (diastolic pressure). It provides important information about heart health and overall cardiovascular function. The other choices are incorrect because B (ECG) measures the heart's electrical activity, C (Spirometry) measures lung function, and D (Pulse oximetry) measures oxygen saturation in the blood, not arterial pressure.
Question 4 of 5
Which condition occurs when the heart muscle is damaged due to a lack of oxygen, often resulting from a heart attack?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when the heart muscle is damaged due to a lack of oxygen supply, often caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries. This results in irreversible damage to the heart tissue. Explanation: A: Myocardial infarction is the correct answer as it specifically refers to heart muscle damage due to oxygen deprivation. B: Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, but it does not result in permanent damage like a heart attack. C: Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, and does not directly involve heart muscle damage. D: Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary artery in the lungs, not directly related to heart muscle damage.
Question 5 of 5
What test uses sound waves to create images of the heart and assess its structure and function?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of the heart, providing detailed information about its structure and function. It is a non-invasive and safe test commonly used to diagnose various heart conditions. MRI (B) uses magnetic fields and radio waves, CT scan (C) uses X-rays, and X-ray (D) uses electromagnetic radiation, but none of these tests specifically utilize sound waves for imaging the heart.