What is a condition where the arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, causing pain and difficulty walking?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is characterized by narrowed or blocked arteries in the legs and feet, resulting in reduced blood flow, causing pain and difficulty walking. This condition is specifically related to arterial issues, unlike varicose veins (C) which involve veins, atherosclerosis (B) which is a broader term for arterial plaque buildup, and Raynaud's disease (D) which is characterized by episodic vasospasm affecting blood flow to extremities. Therefore, PAD is the most accurate choice given the symptoms described in the question.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ventricular hypertrophy. Ventricular hypertrophy refers to the thickening of the walls of the heart's ventricles, which can reduce the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. This condition is often a response to conditions like high blood pressure or heart valve disease, leading to increased workload on the heart muscle. Atrial fibrillation (B) is an irregular heart rhythm, not directly related to ventricular thickening. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (C) involves stiffening of the heart muscle, affecting the heart's ability to fill properly. Cardiomyopathy (D) is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle, not specifically describing ventricular thickening.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart by recording the heart's rhythm and electrical signals. It is used to detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions based on the pattern of the electrical waves. A chest X-ray (B) is used to visualize the heart and lungs, not to measure electrical activity. A stress test (C) assesses the heart's response to physical activity. Arterial blood gas (D) measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, not heart activity. Thus, the ECG is the most appropriate test for detecting arrhythmias and other heart conditions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Heart failure is the correct answer because it is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively. Step 2: This ineffective pumping leads to fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary congestion) and other parts of the body (edema). Step 3: Myocardial infarction (B) is incorrect as it is an acute condition resulting from a blockage in coronary arteries causing heart muscle damage. Step 4: Pericarditis (C) is incorrect as it is inflammation of the pericardium, the outer lining of the heart, not directly related to heart pumping efficiency. Step 5: Pulmonary edema (D) is incorrect as it specifically refers to fluid accumulation in the lungs, not necessarily linked to heart failure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Beta-blocker. Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, which helps to reduce the heart rate. This reduction in heart rate helps to decrease the workload on the heart muscle, making it an effective treatment for conditions such as high blood pressure and heart failure. Incorrect choices: B: Calcium channel blocker - Calcium channel blockers work by dilating blood vessels and reducing the heart's workload by relaxing the muscles in the blood vessels, not by slowing down the heart rate. C: Diuretic - Diuretics help the body get rid of excess salt and water, reducing blood volume and lowering blood pressure, but they do not directly affect heart rate. D: ACE inhibitor - ACE inhibitors work by relaxing blood vessels to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow, but they do not specifically target heart rate reduction.