What is a severe and often sudden allergic reaction that can lead to breathing difficulties and anaphylactic shock?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe and sudden allergic reaction that can lead to breathing difficulties and anaphylactic shock due to the body's extreme immune response. Allergic rhinitis (B) is a milder allergic reaction affecting the nose and eyes. Bronchospasm (C) is a sudden constriction of the muscles in the airways, often associated with asthma. Asthma attack (D) refers to the exacerbation of asthma symptoms but does not necessarily involve anaphylactic shock.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of the heart, providing information on its structure and function. It helps doctors assess the heart's pumping ability, valve function, and overall health. MRI (B) uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images but does not rely on sound waves. CT scan (C) uses X-rays to produce images and is not specific to the heart. X-ray (D) provides a basic image of the heart but lacks the detail and functionality assessment of an echocardiogram.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart, detecting heart rhythm problems such as arrhythmias. It is a non-invasive test that provides valuable information on the heart's function. A chest X-ray (B) is used to visualize the heart and lungs but does not measure electrical activity. MRI (C) and CT scan (D) are imaging tests that provide detailed pictures of the heart's structure but do not directly measure heart rhythm.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Valvular heart disease. Valvular heart disease refers to conditions where the heart's valves do not function properly, leading to disrupted blood flow within the heart. This can result in symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Myocarditis (B) is inflammation of the heart muscle, Endocarditis (C) is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, and Aneurysm (D) is a bulge in a blood vessel. These conditions do not specifically involve malfunctioning heart valves as seen in valvular heart disease.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pericarditis. Pericarditis is the inflammation of the heart's outer lining, causing chest pain. The pericardium surrounds and protects the heart. Other choices are incorrect: B: Endocarditis is the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart. C: Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle itself. D: Valvular heart disease is a condition affecting the heart valves, not the outer lining.