ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart, detecting arrhythmias and other heart conditions by recording the heart's electrical impulses. This test is non-invasive and provides valuable information about the heart's function. Chest X-ray (B) primarily shows the heart's size and shape, not electrical activity. MRI (C) and CT scan (D) are imaging tests that provide detailed anatomical images but do not directly measure heart electrical activity.
Question 2 of 5
This test measures the amount of blood the heart pumps with each beat, often used to assess heart function.
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.
Question 3 of 5
Which condition involves the enlargement and weakening of the left ventricle of the heart, leading to reduced pumping ability?
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.
Question 4 of 5
What is a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is consistently too high, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke?
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.
Question 5 of 5
What test measures the pressure in the arteries during the contraction and relaxation of the heart?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure test. This test measures the pressure in the arteries during the heart's contraction (systolic pressure) and relaxation (diastolic pressure). It provides important information about heart health and overall cardiovascular function. The other choices are incorrect because B (ECG) measures the heart's electrical activity, C (Spirometry) measures lung function, and D (Pulse oximetry) measures oxygen saturation in the blood, not arterial pressure.