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Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers
1. What term describes a condition where a person experiences difficulty breathing when lying flat and requires multiple pillows to sleep comfortably?
- A. Orthopnea
- B. Dyspnea
- C. Tachypnea
- D. Bradypnea
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Orthopnea. Orthopnea is a condition where a person finds it hard to breathe while lying flat and needs to use multiple pillows to sleep comfortably. This position helps relieve the discomfort by allowing better lung expansion. Choice B, Dyspnea, refers to difficulty breathing in general, not specifically related to lying flat. Choice C, Tachypnea, is rapid breathing and is not directly related to difficulty breathing while lying down. Choice D, Bradypnea, is slow breathing and does not describe the condition of having trouble breathing when lying flat.
2. Which condition is characterized by an inability to effectively pump blood, leading to fluid buildup and swelling in the body?
- A. Heart failure
- B. Cardiomyopathy
- C. Angina
- D. Myocarditis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Heart failure is the correct answer. It is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, resulting in fluid accumulation and swelling in the body. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that affects its ability to pump blood but is not the specific condition described in the question. Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, not directly related to fluid buildup and swelling. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle and does not necessarily involve the inability to pump blood effectively.
3. What is a condition where the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm?
- A. Arrhythmia
- B. Hypertension
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Bradycardia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Arrhythmia is the correct answer because it refers to an irregular or abnormal heart rhythm, which can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or erratically. Hypertension (choice B) is high blood pressure and not directly related to irregular heart rhythm. Tachycardia (choice C) is a condition where the heart beats too quickly, not necessarily irregularly. Bradycardia (choice D) is a condition where the heart beats too slowly, not necessarily irregularly. Therefore, only arrhythmia (choice A) fits the description provided in the question.
4. The nurse is administering digoxin to a client with a heart rate of 45 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?
- A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer the digoxin as ordered.
- C. Increase the dose of digoxin.
- D. Monitor the client’s heart rate and reassess in 30 minutes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 45 bpm is already low, and digoxin can further decrease the heart rate, leading to serious complications like bradycardia or heart block. Administering the medication can exacerbate the bradycardia, hence it should be withheld. Increasing the dose of digoxin is contraindicated due to the client's low heart rate. Monitoring the heart rate alone without taking immediate action to withhold the medication is not the priority when faced with the risk of further lowering the heart rate.
5. What is a condition where the heart's electrical system malfunctions, leading to an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia?
- A. Arrhythmia
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Ventricular fibrillation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Arrhythmia. Arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat caused by the malfunction of the heart's electrical system. Bradycardia (choice B) is a condition characterized by a slow heart rate, while Tachycardia (choice C) is a condition characterized by a fast heart rate. Ventricular fibrillation (choice D) is a life-threatening arrhythmia where the heart's lower chambers quiver erratically.
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