ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
What condition involves the heart's electrical system malfunctioning, causing very fast heartbeats originating from the ventricles?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ventricular tachycardia. Ventricular tachycardia is characterized by rapid heartbeats originating from the ventricles, resulting in an abnormal heart rhythm. This condition can be life-threatening if not promptly treated. Atrial fibrillation involves rapid, irregular heartbeats originating from the atria, not the ventricles (B). Supraventricular tachycardia also originates above the ventricles and is not specific to ventricular malfunction (C). Bradycardia, on the other hand, is a condition characterized by an abnormally slow heart rate, which is the opposite of the fast heartbeats seen in ventricular tachycardia (D).
Question 2 of 5
What is a condition where the heart beats too slowly, reducing the amount of blood pumped to the body?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Certainly! Bradycardia is the correct answer because it refers to a slow heart rate, leading to reduced blood flow to the body. This condition can result in symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and fainting. Tachycardia, on the other hand, is the opposite - a fast heart rate that can also impact blood flow. Atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation are irregular heart rhythms rather than slow heart rates, causing rapid and chaotic heartbeats that can be life-threatening. Therefore, the correct answer is A, bradycardia, as it specifically addresses the scenario of the heart beating too slowly.
Question 3 of 5
Which type of heart valve disease occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left atrium?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mitral regurgitation. When the mitral valve does not close properly, it causes blood to flow backward into the left atrium during the heart's contraction phase. This condition is known as mitral regurgitation. Aortic stenosis (B) is narrowing of the aortic valve, not related to the mitral valve. Tricuspid regurgitation (C) involves the tricuspid valve, not the mitral valve. Pulmonary hypertension (D) is high blood pressure in the lungs, not directly related to a malfunctioning mitral valve.
Question 4 of 5
What is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed due to the buildup of plaque?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the condition where arteries supplying blood to the heart become hardened and narrowed due to plaque buildup, leading to decreased blood flow and potential heart issues. Aneurysm (B) is the weakening and bulging of an artery wall, not related to plaque buildup. Arrhythmia (C) is an irregular heartbeat, not directly related to arterial blockages. Peripheral artery disease (D) involves narrowing of arteries in the limbs, not specifically related to the heart. Thus, Atherosclerosis is the most fitting choice for the given condition.
Question 5 of 5
What is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thickened without an obvious cause, leading to a reduction in the heart's ability to pump blood?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In this condition, the heart muscle becomes thickened, affecting the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently. This is due to genetic mutations causing the muscle cells to grow abnormally. This leads to poor relaxation and filling of the heart, impairing its pumping function. B: Dilated cardiomyopathy involves the heart muscle becoming weak and stretched, leading to reduced pumping ability. C: Restrictive cardiomyopathy involves the heart muscle becoming stiff and rigid, impairing its ability to fill with blood properly. D: Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, typically caused by infections or autoimmune conditions, leading to temporary reduction in heart function. Hence, the correct answer is A as it specifically describes the scenario of a thickened heart muscle without an obvious cause impacting the heart's pumping ability.