ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which neurotransmitter is released by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to increase heart rate and the force of contraction of the heart?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is released by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to increase heart rate and the force of contraction. This neurotransmitter acts on beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, leading to these effects. Epinephrine (choice B) is also released by the SNS and acts similarly to norepinephrine but is not as specific for the heart's beta-1 receptors. Dopamine (choice C) primarily acts as a precursor to norepinephrine and epinephrine and does not directly increase heart rate or force of contraction. Acetylcholine (choice D) is released by the parasympathetic nervous system and decreases heart rate and the force of contraction.
Question 2 of 5
Which valve prevents backflow of blood into the left ventricle from the aorta?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Aortic valve. The aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta, preventing the backflow of blood into the left ventricle during diastole. This is essential for maintaining proper blood flow direction and preventing regurgitation. The other choices, B: Mitral valve, C: Tricuspid valve, and D: Pulmonary valve, are all located in different areas of the heart and serve different functions. The mitral valve is between the left atrium and ventricle, the tricuspid valve is between the right atrium and ventricle, and the pulmonary valve is between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery. None of these valves are responsible for preventing backflow into the left ventricle from the aorta.
Question 3 of 5
Which condition refers to the heart being unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart failure. This condition occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It can result from various factors such as high blood pressure, heart muscle damage, or heart valve disorders. In contrast, B (Myocardial infarction) refers to a heart attack caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries, C (Cardiomyopathy) is a disease of the heart muscle, and D (Pericarditis) is inflammation of the pericardium surrounding the heart. These conditions may affect the heart's function but do not specifically indicate the inability to pump sufficient blood like heart failure does.
Question 4 of 5
What is a blood clot that forms in a vein, often in the legs, and can cause serious complications if it travels to the lungs?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, commonly in the legs. It can lead to serious complications if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Varicose veins (C) are enlarged, twisted veins near the surface of the skin, not involving deep veins. Atherosclerosis (D) is the build-up of plaque in arteries, not related to vein clot formation. Pulmonary embolism (B) is a complication of DVT, not the initial clot formation in a vein.
Question 5 of 5
This is the inflammation of the heart's inner lining, usually caused by an infection.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Endocarditis. Endocarditis is the inflammation of the heart's inner lining, often due to an infection. "Endo-" refers to the inner lining of the heart (endocardium) and "-itis" denotes inflammation. Myocarditis (B) is inflammation of the heart muscle, pericarditis (C) is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart, and valvulitis (D) is inflammation of the heart valves. Endocarditis specifically targets the inner lining, making it the correct choice.