ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is a condition characterized by an abnormal buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue lining the lungs and chest cavity?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pleural effusion is the correct answer because it specifically describes the abnormal buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue lining the lungs and chest cavity. This condition can cause symptoms like chest pain and difficulty breathing. Pulmonary edema, on the other hand, is the accumulation of fluid in the lung's air sacs, leading to breathing difficulties. Atelectasis refers to the collapse of a lung or a portion of it, not fluid buildup. Sarcoidosis is a disease that causes inflammation in various organs, not specifically fluid accumulation in the lungs. Therefore, pleural effusion best matches the described condition.
Question 2 of 5
What is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system, leading to thick, sticky mucus that can clog the airways?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, leading to the production of thick mucus that affects the lungs and digestive system. This thick mucus can clog the airways, causing breathing difficulties and increasing the risk of lung infections. COPD (Choice B) is a different condition characterized by airflow obstruction usually due to smoking. Bronchiectasis (Choice C) is a condition where the airways are permanently widened and can also lead to mucus buildup but is not specific to the CFTR gene mutation. Pulmonary fibrosis (Choice D) is a lung disease characterized by scarring of lung tissue, not mucus buildup.
Question 3 of 5
What is a condition where the pulmonary arteries become blocked by a blood clot, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks one of the pulmonary arteries, leading to symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath. This condition is a medical emergency as it can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. B: Pneumothorax is the collapse of the lung due to air leaking into the chest cavity, not caused by a blood clot in the pulmonary arteries. C: Pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties, but it is not due to a blood clot in the pulmonary arteries. D: Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, not caused by a blockage from a blood clot.
Question 4 of 5
What is a condition where the walls of the arteries in the lungs become thickened and stiff, leading to increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension refers to the condition where the walls of the arteries in the lungs become thickened and stiff, leading to increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This results in the heart having to work harder to pump blood through the lungs, causing potential damage to the heart and lungs over time. B: Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition characterized by scarring of lung tissue, not thickening and stiffening of artery walls. C: Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs, usually caused by a blood clot. It does not involve thickening and stiffening of artery walls. D: Pulmonary edema is a condition where fluid builds up in the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. It is not related to thickened and stiffened artery walls.
Question 5 of 5
What is an acute respiratory infection that inflames the alveoli in one or both lungs, causing them to fill with fluid or pus?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pneumonia. Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that specifically inflames the alveoli in the lungs, leading to fluid or pus accumulation. This condition can affect one or both lungs. Bronchitis (B) is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not the alveoli. Tuberculosis (C) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but does not always involve alveoli inflammation. Asthma (D) is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and constriction, not alveoli inflammation like in pneumonia.