Which of the following is a type of heart valve disease where the aortic valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is a condition where the aortic valve narrows, impeding blood flow from the heart to the body, leading to symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath. The other choices are incorrect because: B: Mitral stenosis involves narrowing of the mitral valve, affecting blood flow between the left atrium and ventricle. C: Tricuspid regurgitation is when the tricuspid valve leaks, causing blood to flow backward into the heart. D: Pulmonary hypertension is a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, unrelated to aortic valve narrowing.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stress test. This test evaluates the heart's response to physical stress by monitoring the heart's activity during exercise on a treadmill. It helps diagnose heart conditions such as coronary artery disease. Echocardiogram (B) is an ultrasound test that examines the heart's structure and function. Holter monitor (C) records the heart's activity over a period to detect irregularities. CT angiography (D) is a type of imaging test to visualize blood vessels. However, none of these options specifically assess the heart's response to physical stress like a stress test does.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ventricular hypertrophy. Ventricular hypertrophy refers to the thickening of the walls of the heart's ventricles, which can reduce the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. This condition is often a response to conditions like high blood pressure or heart valve disease, leading to increased workload on the heart muscle. Atrial fibrillation (B) is an irregular heart rhythm, not directly related to ventricular thickening. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (C) involves stiffening of the heart muscle, affecting the heart's ability to fill properly. Cardiomyopathy (D) is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle, not specifically describing ventricular thickening.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart by recording the heart's rhythm and electrical signals. It is used to detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions based on the pattern of the electrical waves. A chest X-ray (B) is used to visualize the heart and lungs, not to measure electrical activity. A stress test (C) assesses the heart's response to physical activity. Arterial blood gas (D) measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, not heart activity. Thus, the ECG is the most appropriate test for detecting arrhythmias and other heart conditions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Heart failure is the correct answer because it is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively. Step 2: This ineffective pumping leads to fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary congestion) and other parts of the body (edema). Step 3: Myocardial infarction (B) is incorrect as it is an acute condition resulting from a blockage in coronary arteries causing heart muscle damage. Step 4: Pericarditis (C) is incorrect as it is inflammation of the pericardium, the outer lining of the heart, not directly related to heart pumping efficiency. Step 5: Pulmonary edema (D) is incorrect as it specifically refers to fluid accumulation in the lungs, not necessarily linked to heart failure.