What is the term for a blood clot blocking an artery in the lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain?

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Physical Exam Cardiovascular System Questions

Question 1 of 5

What is the term for a blood clot blocking an artery in the lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, causing symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. Deep vein thrombosis (B) is a blood clot in a deep vein, not in the lungs. Myocardial infarction (C) is a heart attack due to blocked blood flow to the heart muscle. Pneumothorax (D) is a collapsed lung, not related to a blood clot.

Question 2 of 5

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.

Question 3 of 5

What is a condition where the lung's air sacs (alveoli) are damaged and enlarged, leading to breathlessness?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Emphysema. Emphysema is a condition where the lung's air sacs are damaged and enlarged, leading to breathlessness. This occurs due to the destruction of the alveoli walls, causing reduced surface area for gas exchange and airflow obstruction. Chronic bronchitis (B) involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not alveoli damage. Asthma (C) is characterized by airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction, not alveoli damage. Pulmonary fibrosis (D) is scarring of lung tissue, not enlargement of the alveoli.

Question 4 of 5

What test uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart, allowing doctors to see how well the heart is functioning?

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.

Question 5 of 5

What test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect heart rhythm problems?

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.

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