ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the buildup of plaque in the arteries that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in the arteries due to the accumulation of cholesterol and other substances. This narrowing and hardening of the arteries can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Arteriosclerosis (choice B) refers to the thickening and hardening of the arterial walls, which is a general term and not specific to plaque buildup. Hypertension (choice C) is high blood pressure, which can contribute to atherosclerosis but is not the primary cause. Diabetes (choice D) can also be a risk factor for atherosclerosis, but it is not the direct buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Question 2 of 5
Which surgical procedure involves grafting a blood vessel to bypass a blocked artery in the heart?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). This procedure involves grafting a blood vessel to bypass a blocked artery in the heart, improving blood flow. Valve replacement (B) is not a procedure for bypassing blocked arteries. Stent placement (C) involves inserting a mesh tube to keep the artery open but does not involve grafting a blood vessel. Angioplasty (D) is a procedure to widen blocked arteries using a balloon, not grafting a blood vessel. Therefore, the correct choice is CABG.
Question 3 of 5
What condition is characterized by narrowed or blocked arteries in the legs or arms, leading to pain and mobility issues?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is characterized by narrowed or blocked arteries in the legs or arms, leading to pain and mobility issues due to reduced blood flow. Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of plaque in arteries but doesn't specify limbs. Raynaud's disease is a condition affecting blood supply to extremities due to cold or stress, not arterial blockages. Varicose veins involve enlarged, twisted veins, not arterial blockages. Therefore, the correct choice is A as it specifically addresses the narrowed or blocked arteries in limbs causing pain and mobility issues.
Question 4 of 5
What is a condition where the heart's electrical impulses are delayed or blocked, leading to a slower or irregular heartbeat?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart block. Heart block is a condition where the electrical impulses in the heart are delayed or blocked, leading to a slower or irregular heartbeat. This can result in symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and fainting. Tachycardia (B) is a condition of a fast heart rate, not a delayed or blocked impulse. Bradycardia (C) is a slow heart rate, but it doesn't necessarily involve delayed or blocked impulses. Arrhythmia (D) is a broad term for any irregular heartbeat pattern, not specifically related to delayed or blocked impulses.
Question 5 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.