ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam
1. Which of the following is a chronic lung disease that results in the gradual destruction of the alveoli, causing difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen exchange?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Pulmonary hypertension
- D. Sarcoidosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Emphysema is the correct answer as it is a chronic lung disease characterized by the gradual destruction of the alveoli, which are essential for oxygen exchange. This destruction leads to difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen levels in the blood. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not specifically involving alveoli destruction. Pulmonary hypertension is a condition of high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, not directly related to alveoli destruction. Sarcoidosis is a disease characterized by the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells in different parts of the body, including the lungs, but it does not primarily involve the destruction of alveoli.
2. What is a severe and often sudden allergic reaction that can lead to breathing difficulties and anaphylactic shock?
- A. Anaphylaxis
- B. Allergic rhinitis
- C. Bronchospasm
- D. Asthma attack
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Anaphylaxis is the correct answer. It is a severe allergic reaction that can result in difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and even anaphylactic shock if not treated promptly. Choice B, allergic rhinitis, is characterized by symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and itching. Choice C, bronchospasm, refers to the sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the bronchioles, leading to breathing difficulties. Choice D, asthma attack, involves the inflammation and narrowing of the airways, resulting in symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.
3. Which valve prevents backflow of blood into the left ventricle from the aorta?
- A. Aortic valve
- B. Mitral valve
- C. Tricuspid valve
- D. Pulmonary valve
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Aortic valve. The aortic valve is positioned between the left ventricle and the aorta. It prevents blood from flowing back into the left ventricle after it has been pumped into the aorta. The mitral valve (Choice B) is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle, the tricuspid valve (Choice C) is between the right atrium and right ventricle, and the pulmonary valve (Choice D) is situated between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. Therefore, they are not responsible for preventing backflow from the aorta into the left ventricle.
4. Which of the following is a rare genetic disorder that affects the lungs, liver, and skin, causing the buildup of a specific protein that damages organs?
- A. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- B. Cystic fibrosis
- C. Wegener's granulomatosis
- D. Marfan syndrome
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. This disorder leads to the accumulation of a specific protein that can harm the lungs, liver, and skin. Choice B, Cystic fibrosis, is incorrect because it primarily affects the lungs and digestive system due to a defective gene. Choice C, Wegener's granulomatosis, is an autoimmune disease that involves inflammation of blood vessels, not protein buildup. Choice D, Marfan syndrome, is a connective tissue disorder impacting the heart, blood vessels, bones, and eyes, but not involving protein accumulation that damages organs.
5. What is a condition where the heart beats too fast, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively?
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Arrhythmia
- D. Ventricular fibrillation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Tachycardia is the correct answer because it is a condition characterized by a fast heart rate, which can decrease the heart's efficiency in pumping blood. Bradycardia, on the other hand, refers to a slow heart rate, which is the opposite of what is described in the question. Arrhythmia is a general term for any irregularity in the heart's rhythm, not necessarily specifically related to a fast heart rate. Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening arrhythmia where the heart's lower chambers quiver instead of pumping blood effectively, but it is not specifically characterized by a fast heart rate.
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