ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the small airways in the lungs, leading to episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Asthma. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the small airways in the lungs, causing symptoms like wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing. The inflammation in the airways leads to narrowing and constriction, resulting in the characteristic symptoms of asthma. Asthma is typically triggered by various factors such as allergens, pollutants, exercise, or infections. Summary of other choices: B: COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a different condition characterized by irreversible airflow limitation due to chronic bronchitis and emphysema. C: Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by viral infections or smoking, but it does not specifically target the small airways like asthma. D: Lung cancer is a malignancy that arises in the lungs and is not primarily associated with chronic inflammation of the small airways as seen in asthma.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following is a chronic lung disease that results in the gradual destruction of the alveoli, causing difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen exchange?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Emphysema. Emphysema is characterized by the gradual destruction of the alveoli in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen exchange. This destruction impairs the lung's ability to expand and contract properly, causing shortness of breath. Bronchitis (B) is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not alveoli destruction. Pulmonary hypertension (C) is high blood pressure in the lungs, not alveoli destruction. Sarcoidosis (D) is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation in different organs, not specifically targeting the alveoli.
Question 3 of 5
Which test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart, detecting arrhythmias and other heart conditions by recording the heart's electrical impulses. This test is non-invasive and provides valuable information about the heart's function. Chest X-ray (B) primarily shows the heart's size and shape, not electrical activity. MRI (C) and CT scan (D) are imaging tests that provide detailed anatomical images but do not directly measure heart electrical activity.
Question 4 of 5
Which medication is used to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: ACE inhibitor. ACE inhibitors work by dilating blood vessels to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. They also help protect the heart and improve its function. Beta-blockers (B) lower heart rate, diuretics (C) reduce fluid retention, and calcium channel blockers (D) relax blood vessels, but they do not offer the same comprehensive benefits for high blood pressure and cardiovascular health as ACE inhibitors.
Question 5 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.