ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is a condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally enlarged, thickened, or stiffened, often leading to heart failure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy is a condition characterized by abnormal enlargement, thickening, or stiffening of the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure. This condition directly affects the heart muscle itself, causing it to function improperly. Pericarditis (B) is inflammation of the pericardium, the outer lining of the heart, not the heart muscle. Aortic stenosis (C) and Mitral valve prolapse (D) involve issues with heart valves, not the heart muscle itself. Therefore, A is the correct choice as it directly addresses the abnormal changes in the heart muscle leading to heart failure.
Question 2 of 5
Which condition is characterized by the lungs becoming scarred and stiff, leading to difficulty breathing and inadequate oxygen intake into the bloodstream?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by scarring and stiffening of the lungs, impairing their ability to expand and contract properly for breathing. This leads to difficulty breathing and inadequate oxygen intake into the bloodstream. In contrast, cystic fibrosis primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems, COPD is a progressive lung disease primarily caused by smoking, and tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. Therefore, the correct answer is A because it specifically describes the scarring and stiffness of the lungs resulting in breathing difficulties and inadequate oxygen intake.
Question 3 of 5
What is the condition where the lung collapses due to air leaking into the space between the lung and chest wall?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pneumothorax. This condition occurs when air enters the pleural space, causing the lung to collapse. The air disrupts the pressure balance, leading to lung collapse. Pleural effusion (B) is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, not air. Pulmonary fibrosis (C) is scarring of lung tissue, unrelated to air leakage. Lung cancer (D) is the abnormal growth of cells in the lung, not directly causing air leakage.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following is a rare but serious condition where the pulmonary arteries become narrowed, increasing the blood pressure in the lungs?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary hypertension. This condition is characterized by narrowing of the pulmonary arteries, leading to increased blood pressure in the lungs. Pulmonary embolism (B) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries, not narrowing. Pulmonary fibrosis (C) involves scarring of lung tissue, not artery narrowing. Aortic stenosis (D) is a narrowing of the aortic valve, not the pulmonary arteries. Therefore, the correct choice is A.
Question 5 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.