ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
What does the PR interval measure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The PR interval measures the time it takes for the electrical signal to travel from the atria to the ventricles, reflecting atrial depolarization and the delay at the AV node before ventricular activation. Option A is correct as it accurately describes the PR interval. Option B is incorrect as the PR interval does not measure ventricular depolarization. Option C is incorrect as the PR interval does not represent ventricular repolarization. Option D is incorrect as it describes the QT interval, not the PR interval.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following conditions is characterized by inflammation of the heart muscle, often due to a viral infection, leading to impaired heart function?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Myocarditis is the correct answer because it specifically refers to inflammation of the heart muscle often caused by a viral infection, leading to impaired heart function. It directly addresses the condition described in the question. Endocarditis is inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, not the heart muscle. Pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart, not the heart muscle. Cardiomyopathy is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle that impair its ability to pump blood, but it does not specifically mention inflammation caused by viral infections.
Question 3 of 5
What test uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the heart, allowing doctors to assess its structure and function?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the heart's structure and function in real-time. It is a non-invasive and safe diagnostic tool commonly used to assess heart health. MRI (B) uses magnetic fields and radio waves, CT scan (C) uses X-rays, and X-ray (D) uses electromagnetic radiation, but they do not provide the same level of detail and real-time assessment of the heart as an echocardiogram does.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
What is a surgical procedure to redirect blood flow around a blocked or narrowed artery, often involving the use of a graft from another part of the body?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). This procedure is used to redirect blood flow around a blocked or narrowed artery by creating a bypass using a graft from another part of the body. Step 1: The blocked or narrowed artery is identified through diagnostic tests. Step 2: A graft, often taken from the chest, leg, or arm, is used to create a new pathway for blood to flow around the blockage. Step 3: This helps improve blood flow to the heart muscle, relieving symptoms such as chest pain and reducing the risk of a heart attack. Summary: B (Valve replacement) involves replacing a damaged heart valve, C (Aneurysm repair) deals with treating a weakened area in a blood vessel, and D (Atherectomy) is a procedure to remove plaque from arteries, none of which match the description provided.