Which type of heart valve disease occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left atrium?

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Cardiovascular System Exam Questions

Question 1 of 9

Which type of heart valve disease occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left atrium?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mitral regurgitation. When the mitral valve does not close properly, it causes blood to flow backward into the left atrium during the heart's contraction phase. This condition is known as mitral regurgitation. Aortic stenosis (B) is narrowing of the aortic valve, not related to the mitral valve. Tricuspid regurgitation (C) involves the tricuspid valve, not the mitral valve. Pulmonary hypertension (D) is high blood pressure in the lungs, not directly related to a malfunctioning mitral valve.

Question 2 of 9

The client on spironolactone should avoid which of the following?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Foods high in potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can increase potassium levels in the body. Consuming foods high in potassium while taking spironolactone can lead to hyperkalemia, a serious condition characterized by high levels of potassium in the blood. The other choices (B: Foods high in sodium, C: Foods high in calcium, D: Foods high in chloride) are not directly contraindicated with spironolactone use. Sodium intake is typically restricted in patients taking diuretics, but it is not specifically related to spironolactone. Calcium and chloride levels are not significantly affected by spironolactone, so foods high in these minerals do not need to be avoided.

Question 3 of 9

What condition is characterized by narrowed or blocked arteries in the legs or arms, leading to pain and mobility issues?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is characterized by narrowed or blocked arteries in the legs or arms, leading to pain and mobility issues due to reduced blood flow. Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of plaque in arteries but doesn't specify limbs. Raynaud's disease is a condition affecting blood supply to extremities due to cold or stress, not arterial blockages. Varicose veins involve enlarged, twisted veins, not arterial blockages. Therefore, the correct choice is A as it specifically addresses the narrowed or blocked arteries in limbs causing pain and mobility issues.

Question 4 of 9

What is a condition where the pulmonary arteries become blocked by a blood clot, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks one of the pulmonary arteries, leading to symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath. This condition is a medical emergency as it can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. B: Pneumothorax is the collapse of the lung due to air leaking into the chest cavity, not caused by a blood clot in the pulmonary arteries. C: Pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties, but it is not due to a blood clot in the pulmonary arteries. D: Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, not caused by a blockage from a blood clot.

Question 5 of 9

The client is receiving digoxin and has a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority action?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. Digoxin toxicity is more likely to occur in patients with low potassium levels. With a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L, the client is at risk for digoxin toxicity. Holding the digoxin and notifying the healthcare provider is the priority action to prevent potential harm to the client. B: Increasing the dose of digoxin would exacerbate the risk of digoxin toxicity in a client with low potassium levels. C: Continuing the current dose of digoxin without addressing the low potassium level could lead to digoxin toxicity. D: Administering potassium supplements alone may not be sufficient to address the potential digoxin toxicity. Holding the digoxin is the priority action.

Question 6 of 9

This term refers to a change in the inotropic state of the muscle without a change in myocardial fiber length.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Contractility is the correct answer as it specifically refers to the ability of the heart muscle to contract with a given force without changing its length. This term is used to describe changes in the inotropic state of the muscle, which affects the strength of contraction. Excitability, refractoriness, and automaticity do not directly relate to changes in muscle contraction force without altering fiber length. Excitability is the ability of the muscle to respond to stimuli, refractoriness is the recovery period after a muscle contraction, and automaticity is the ability of certain cells to generate spontaneous electrical activity.

Question 7 of 9

Which type of heart valve disease occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left atrium?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mitral regurgitation. When the mitral valve does not close properly, it causes blood to flow backward into the left atrium during the heart's contraction phase. This condition is known as mitral regurgitation. Aortic stenosis (B) is narrowing of the aortic valve, not related to the mitral valve. Tricuspid regurgitation (C) involves the tricuspid valve, not the mitral valve. Pulmonary hypertension (D) is high blood pressure in the lungs, not directly related to a malfunctioning mitral valve.

Question 8 of 9

What is a condition where the heart beats too slowly, reducing the amount of blood pumped to the body?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Certainly! Bradycardia is the correct answer because it refers to a slow heart rate, leading to reduced blood flow to the body. This condition can result in symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and fainting. Tachycardia, on the other hand, is the opposite - a fast heart rate that can also impact blood flow. Atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation are irregular heart rhythms rather than slow heart rates, causing rapid and chaotic heartbeats that can be life-threatening. Therefore, the correct answer is A, bradycardia, as it specifically addresses the scenario of the heart beating too slowly.

Question 9 of 9

What is the term for a condition where the lung collapses due to air leaking into the space between the lung and the chest wall?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pneumothorax. Pneumothorax is the term used to describe a condition where the lung collapses due to air leaking into the pleural space. This causes pressure on the lung, leading to its collapse. Pleural effusion (B) is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, not air. Atelectasis (C) is the collapse of a portion or the entire lung due to various reasons but not air leakage. Pulmonary fibrosis (D) is a condition where lung tissue becomes scarred and thickened, not related to air leakage causing lung collapse.

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