Which of the following is a chronic lung disease that results in the gradual destruction of the alveoli, causing difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen exchange?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Emphysema. Emphysema is characterized by the gradual destruction of the alveoli in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen exchange. This destruction impairs the lung's ability to expand and contract properly, causing shortness of breath. Bronchitis (B) is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not alveoli destruction. Pulmonary hypertension (C) is high blood pressure in the lungs, not alveoli destruction. Sarcoidosis (D) is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation in different organs, not specifically targeting the alveoli.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: ACE inhibitor. ACE inhibitors work by dilating blood vessels to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. They also help protect the heart and improve its function. Beta-blockers (B) lower heart rate, diuretics (C) reduce fluid retention, and calcium channel blockers (D) relax blood vessels, but they do not offer the same comprehensive benefits for high blood pressure and cardiovascular health as ACE inhibitors.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ejection fraction. Ejection fraction is the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart's left ventricle with each contraction. It is a key indicator of heart function and can help diagnose heart conditions such as heart failure. Cardiac output (B) is the total amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute, not the amount pumped with each beat. Stroke volume (C) is the amount of blood pumped by the heart in one contraction, not specifically with each beat. End-diastolic volume (D) is the amount of blood in the ventricle before contraction, not the amount pumped with each beat.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dilated cardiomyopathy. This condition involves the enlargement and weakening of the left ventricle, leading to reduced pumping ability. This results in the heart being unable to pump blood efficiently, causing symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (B) is the thickening of the heart muscle, not enlargement. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (C) involves stiffening of the heart muscle, not weakening. Pericarditis (D) is inflammation of the pericardium, not the heart muscle itself.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Hypertension is defined as consistently high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. 2. Hypotension is low blood pressure, not associated with increased risk of heart disease or stroke. 3. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder, not directly related to blood pressure. 4. Hyperlipidemia is high levels of fats in the blood, which can contribute to heart disease but not specifically related to high blood pressure. Summary: Hypertension is the correct answer because it specifically refers to high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Hypotension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia are incorrect as they do not directly cause consistently high blood pressure.