What procedure uses a catheter to open blocked coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart muscle?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Angioplasty. Angioplasty involves using a catheter with a balloon to open blocked coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. The balloon is inflated to compress the plaque against the artery walls, restoring blood flow. Stent placement (B) involves inserting a mesh tube to keep the artery open after angioplasty. CABG (C) is a surgical procedure that uses grafts to bypass blocked coronary arteries. Valve replacement (D) is a procedure to replace damaged heart valves, not specifically for opening blocked coronary arteries.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs. It can lead to serious complications if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Varicose veins (C) are enlarged, twisted veins, not related to blood clots. Raynaud's disease (D) is a condition affecting blood flow to the extremities, not related to clot formation. Pulmonary embolism (B) is a consequence of DVT, not the initial condition of clot formation in the deep veins.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Calcium channel blocker. These medications work by relaxing the blood vessels, leading to lower blood pressure. They inhibit the entry of calcium into the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels, causing vasodilation. Beta-blockers (B) reduce heart rate and contractility. ACE inhibitors (C) block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation. Diuretics (D) work by increasing urine output to lower blood volume and pressure. In this case, the mechanism of action aligns with the desired effect of relaxing blood vessels to reduce high blood pressure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cor pulmonale. This condition is characterized by right ventricle failure due to increased pulmonary pressure from chronic lung disease. Step 1: Chronic lung disease causes increased pressure in the lungs. Step 2: The increased pressure in the lungs leads to the right ventricle of the heart working harder to pump blood through the lungs. Step 3: Over time, this increased workload can cause right ventricular failure, known as cor pulmonale. Summary: B is incorrect as pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage of an artery in the lungs. C is incorrect as aortic stenosis involves narrowing of the aortic valve, affecting the left ventricle. D is incorrect as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic condition causing thickening of the heart muscle.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart block. Heart block refers to a condition where the heart's electrical impulses are blocked or delayed, leading to a slower or irregular heartbeat. This occurs when there is interference with the electrical signals that control the heart's rhythm as they travel through the heart's conduction system. Atrial fibrillation (B) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can occur due to chaotic electrical signals in the heart's upper chambers. Tachycardia (C) is a condition where the heart rate is too fast, not slower or irregular. Bradycardia (D) refers to a slow heart rate but not necessarily due to electrical impulse blockage.