ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is a chronic condition where the heart muscle becomes weakened and enlarged, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dilated cardiomyopathy. This is a chronic condition characterized by the heart muscle becoming weakened and enlarged, leading to reduced pumping efficiency. This results in symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling. The other choices are incorrect because: B: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is characterized by thickening of the heart muscle, not weakening and enlargement. C: Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, not specifically causing heart muscle weakening and enlargement. D: Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium (outer lining of the heart), not directly affecting heart muscle function.
Question 2 of 5
Which test uses 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 sound waves to create images of the heart, providing detailed information about its structure and function in real time. It is a non-invasive and safe imaging technique commonly used to diagnose heart conditions. MRI (B) uses magnetic fields, CT scan (C) uses X-rays, and X-ray (D) uses electromagnetic radiation, but these techniques do not specifically use sound waves to image the heart.
Question 3 of 5
What type of imaging test uses X-rays to visualize the blood vessels after injecting them with a contrast dye?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Angiography. Angiography is the imaging test that uses X-rays to visualize blood vessels by injecting contrast dye. This dye highlights the blood vessels, allowing for clear visualization on X-ray images. Angiography is specifically designed to provide detailed images of the blood vessels and identify any blockages or abnormalities. B: CT scan uses X-rays but does not involve injecting contrast dye into blood vessels. C: MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves, not X-rays. D: Ultrasound uses sound waves, not X-rays or contrast dye to visualize blood vessels.
Question 4 of 5
What is the term used to describe a condition where the blood flow to the brain is temporarily interrupted, often referred to as a 'mini-stroke'?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, causing stroke-like symptoms that usually resolve within 24 hours. It is often referred to as a 'mini-stroke' because the symptoms are similar to a stroke but last for a shorter duration. Explanation: 1. TIA specifically describes a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, aligning with the scenario described in the question. 2. Stroke (Choice B) refers to a more severe and lasting interruption of blood flow to the brain, not a temporary one as seen in a TIA. 3. Myocardial infarction (Choice C) refers to a heart attack, which involves blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, not the brain. 4. Pulmonary embolism (Choice D) is a blockage of an artery in the lungs, not related to blood flow interruption to the brain. In summary,
Question 5 of 5
What is a surgical procedure where a blood vessel is grafted to bypass a blocked coronary artery, improving blood flow to the heart muscle?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). This surgical procedure involves grafting a blood vessel to bypass a blocked coronary artery, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. It is used to treat severe coronary artery disease. Valve replacement (B) is a surgery to replace heart valves, not to bypass blocked arteries. Angioplasty (C) involves inserting a balloon to widen a narrowed artery, not bypassing it. Endarterectomy (D) is a procedure to remove plaque from an artery, not bypassing a blocked coronary artery.