ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
What test uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the heart, allowing doctors to assess its structure and function?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the heart's structure and function in real-time. It is a non-invasive and safe diagnostic tool commonly used to assess heart health. MRI (B) uses magnetic fields and radio waves, CT scan (C) uses X-rays, and X-ray (D) uses electromagnetic radiation, but they do not provide the same level of detail and real-time assessment of the heart as an echocardiogram does.
Question 2 of 5
What is a surgical procedure to redirect blood flow around a blocked or narrowed artery, often involving the use of a graft from another part of the body?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). This procedure is used to redirect blood flow around a blocked or narrowed artery by creating a bypass using a graft from another part of the body. Step 1: The blocked or narrowed artery is identified through diagnostic tests. Step 2: A graft, often taken from the chest, leg, or arm, is used to create a new pathway for blood to flow around the blockage. Step 3: This helps improve blood flow to the heart muscle, relieving symptoms such as chest pain and reducing the risk of a heart attack. Summary: B (Valve replacement) involves replacing a damaged heart valve, C (Aneurysm repair) deals with treating a weakened area in a blood vessel, and D (Atherectomy) is a procedure to remove plaque from arteries, none of which match the description provided.
Question 3 of 5
What is a condition where the heart beats too slowly, reducing the amount of blood pumped to the body?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Certainly! Bradycardia is the correct answer because it refers to a slow heart rate, leading to reduced blood flow to the body. This condition can result in symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and fainting. Tachycardia, on the other hand, is the opposite - a fast heart rate that can also impact blood flow. Atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation are irregular heart rhythms rather than slow heart rates, causing rapid and chaotic heartbeats that can be life-threatening. Therefore, the correct answer is A, bradycardia, as it specifically addresses the scenario of the heart beating too slowly.
Question 4 of 5
Which type of heart valve disease occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left atrium?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mitral regurgitation. When the mitral valve does not close properly, it causes blood to flow backward into the left atrium during the heart's contraction phase. This condition is known as mitral regurgitation. Aortic stenosis (B) is narrowing of the aortic valve, not related to the mitral valve. Tricuspid regurgitation (C) involves the tricuspid valve, not the mitral valve. Pulmonary hypertension (D) is high blood pressure in the lungs, not directly related to a malfunctioning mitral valve.
Question 5 of 5
What is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed due to the buildup of plaque?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the condition where arteries supplying blood to the heart become hardened and narrowed due to plaque buildup, leading to decreased blood flow and potential heart issues. Aneurysm (B) is the weakening and bulging of an artery wall, not related to plaque buildup. Arrhythmia (C) is an irregular heartbeat, not directly related to arterial blockages. Peripheral artery disease (D) involves narrowing of arteries in the limbs, not specifically related to the heart. Thus, Atherosclerosis is the most fitting choice for the given condition.