ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf Questions
Question 1 of 5
What diagnostic procedure 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 in real-time. This procedure is non-invasive, safe, and commonly used to diagnose heart conditions such as valve abnormalities, heart size, and blood flow. It allows visualization of the heart chambers, valves, and blood vessels. MRI (B) and CT scan (C) use different imaging techniques and are not specifically designed to assess the heart's structure and function. X-ray (D) provides limited information about the heart compared to an echocardiogram.
Question 2 of 5
What test measures the electrical activity of the heart over a 24- or 48-hour period?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Holter monitor. This device records the electrical activity of the heart over an extended period, typically 24-48 hours, providing a more comprehensive assessment compared to a standard ECG (choice B). A stress test (choice C) evaluates the heart's response to physical exertion, not prolonged monitoring. A chest X-ray (choice D) is used to visualize the heart and lungs, but does not measure electrical activity. Therefore, the Holter monitor is the most appropriate test for continuous monitoring of heart activity over an extended period.
Question 3 of 5
What is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently. Step 2: This inefficiency leads to fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary congestion) and other parts of the body. Step 3: Cardiomyopathy is a broad term for diseases that affect the heart muscle but may not necessarily result in heart failure. Step 4: Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, not directly related to heart pumping efficiency. Step 5: Aortic stenosis is a condition where the aortic valve narrows, affecting blood flow from the heart but not necessarily leading to heart failure.
Question 4 of 5
What is a condition where the walls of the arteries become thickened and stiff, often due to the buildup of plaque, leading to reduced blood flow?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Atherosclerosis is the correct answer because it specifically refers to the condition where artery walls become thickened and stiff due to plaque buildup. Plaque accumulation narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially leading to serious complications. Angina (B) is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart but is not a direct result of arterial thickening. Hypertension (C) is high blood pressure and does not involve artery wall thickening. Arrhythmia (D) is an irregular heart rhythm and is not related to arterial stiffness. Thus, Atherosclerosis (A) best fits the description provided in the question.
Question 5 of 5
This medication type is used to relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vasodilator. Vasodilators relax and widen blood vessels, leading to improved blood flow and decreased blood pressure. They work directly on the muscles in the walls of blood vessels. Anticoagulants (B) prevent blood clot formation, diuretics (C) increase urine production to reduce fluid buildup, and beta-blockers (D) reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the effects of adrenaline. Therefore, only vasodilators directly target blood vessel relaxation and widening to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure.