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Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf
1. What is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, often associated with infections or malignancies?
- A. Pleural effusion
- B. Pneumothorax
- C. Pulmonary edema
- D. Atelectasis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is the accumulation of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lungs, often caused by infections, cancer, or other diseases. Pneumothorax (choice B) is the presence of air in the pleural space, not fluid. Pulmonary edema (choice C) is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs' air sacs and tissue, not in the pleural space. Atelectasis (choice D) is the collapse or closure of a lung resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange.
2. What is a type of heart disease that involves the thickening or stiffening of the heart muscle, reducing its ability to pump blood?
- A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- B. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Arrhythmia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a type of heart disease characterized by the thickening or stiffening of the heart muscle, leading to a reduced ability to pump blood. This condition is different from dilated cardiomyopathy (choice B), which involves the enlargement and weakening of the heart chambers. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (choice C) is characterized by the stiffening of the heart muscle, affecting its ability to fill with blood properly. Arrhythmia (choice D) refers to abnormal heart rhythms and is not specifically related to thickening or stiffening of the heart muscle, as seen in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
3. What is a condition where the walls of the arteries become thickened and stiff, often due to the buildup of plaque, leading to reduced blood flow?
- A. Atherosclerosis
- B. Angina
- C. Hypertension
- D. Arrhythmia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Atherosclerosis is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the thickening and stiffening of artery walls due to plaque buildup, which restricts blood flow. Angina (choice B) is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Hypertension (choice C) is high blood pressure, not directly related to arterial wall thickening. Arrhythmia (choice D) refers to irregular heart rhythms and is not specifically linked to artery wall changes like atherosclerosis.
4. The client on enoxaparin (Lovenox) is scheduled for surgery. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Hold the enoxaparin and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the enoxaparin as scheduled.
- C. Administer vitamin K before the surgery.
- D. Monitor the client’s INR and proceed with surgery.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the enoxaparin and notify the healthcare provider. Enoxaparin, being an anticoagulant, should be held before surgery to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during the procedure. It is crucial to inform the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate management plan. Choice B is incorrect because administering enoxaparin before surgery can increase the risk of bleeding. Choice C is incorrect as vitamin K administration is not typically indicated in this situation. Choice D is incorrect because monitoring the client's INR and proceeding with surgery without addressing the enoxaparin can lead to significant bleeding complications.
5. What is a chronic condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Hypotension
- C. Hyperlipidemia
- D. Hyperglycemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic condition characterized by persistently elevated pressure in the arteries. This condition increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health issues. Hypotension (choice B) refers to low blood pressure and is not the correct answer. Hyperlipidemia (choice C) is high levels of fats in the blood, not related to blood pressure. Hyperglycemia (choice D) is high blood sugar levels, not directly related to elevated blood pressure.
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