ATI RN
Physical Exam Cardiovascular System
1. Which of the following is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing?
- A. Asthma
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Pneumonia
- D. Emphysema
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Asthma is the correct answer. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. These symptoms are often triggered by allergens or exercise. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, but it is not typically chronic or involve the same triggers as asthma. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, and emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often caused by smoking.
2. 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.
3. What is the ability of cardiac cells to respond to an impulse by contracting?
- A. Excitability
- B. Contractility
- C. Rhythmicity
- D. Conductivity
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Excitability is the correct term that describes the ability of cardiac cells to respond to an impulse by contracting. Excitability refers to the cell's ability to respond to stimuli and generate an action potential. Choice B, Contractility, is incorrect as it refers to the ability of cardiac cells to contract after receiving a stimulus, not the response to the impulse itself. Choice C, Rhythmicity, is incorrect as it pertains to the heart's ability to contract rhythmically without external stimulation. Choice D, Conductivity, is incorrect as it refers to the ability of cardiac cells to transmit an impulse from cell to cell, not the direct response to the impulse by contracting.
4. Which of the following is a type of heart attack that occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is severely reduced or stopped?
- A. Myocardial infarction
- B. Angina
- C. Stroke
- D. Congestive heart failure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is severely reduced or stopped, leading to tissue damage or death. Angina (choice B) is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. Stroke (choice C) is a condition where the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced. Congestive heart failure (choice D) is a chronic condition where the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should.
5. What is the condition where the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, causing pain and difficulty walking?
- A. Peripheral artery disease
- B. Raynaud's disease
- C. Varicose veins
- D. Pulmonary embolism
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is a condition where the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, leading to decreased blood flow, pain, and difficulty walking, especially during physical activity. Raynaud's disease (choice B) is characterized by vasospasms in the fingers and toes, causing them to turn white or blue. Varicose veins (choice C) are enlarged, twisted veins usually found in the legs. Pulmonary embolism (choice D) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, often caused by a blood clot.
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