Which of the following is a rare genetic disorder that affects the lungs, liver, and skin, causing the buildup of a specific protein that damages organs?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is the correct answer. This disorder affects the lungs, liver, and skin due to the buildup of a specific protein (alpha-1 antitrypsin) that damages organs. This deficiency can lead to lung and liver diseases. Cystic fibrosis primarily affects the lungs and digestive system, not the liver and skin. Wegener's granulomatosis is a condition that affects the blood vessels, lungs, and kidneys, not the liver. Marfan syndrome is a connective tissue disorder that affects the heart, blood vessels, bones, and eyes, not the lungs, liver, and skin.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of the heart, providing detailed information about its structure and function in real-time. This procedure is non-invasive, safe, and commonly used to diagnose heart conditions such as valve abnormalities, heart size, and blood flow. It allows visualization of the heart chambers, valves, and blood vessels. MRI (B) and CT scan (C) use different imaging techniques and are not specifically designed to assess the heart's structure and function. X-ray (D) provides limited information about the heart compared to an echocardiogram.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Mitral valve prolapse is the correct answer because it is a condition where the mitral valve doesn't close properly, leading to blood leakage into the left atrium during the heart's contraction. This results in a characteristic systolic click on auscultation. Aortic stenosis (B) involves narrowing of the aortic valve, not the mitral valve. Mitral stenosis (C) refers to a narrowing of the mitral valve, not improper closure. Tricuspid regurgitation (D) is when the tricuspid valve doesn't close properly, causing blood to leak backward into the right atrium, not the left atrium.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Holter monitor. This device records the electrical activity of the heart over an extended period, typically 24-48 hours, providing a more comprehensive assessment compared to a standard ECG (choice B). A stress test (choice C) evaluates the heart's response to physical exertion, not prolonged monitoring. A chest X-ray (choice D) is used to visualize the heart and lungs, but does not measure electrical activity. Therefore, the Holter monitor is the most appropriate test for continuous monitoring of heart activity over an extended period.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently. Step 2: This inefficiency leads to fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary congestion) and other parts of the body. Step 3: Cardiomyopathy is a broad term for diseases that affect the heart muscle but may not necessarily result in heart failure. Step 4: Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, not directly related to heart pumping efficiency. Step 5: Aortic stenosis is a condition where the aortic valve narrows, affecting blood flow from the heart but not necessarily leading to heart failure.