ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. What is a condition where the blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked, often referred to as a mini-stroke?
- A. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- B. Stroke
- C. Aneurysm
- D. Myocardial infarction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is the correct answer. A TIA is often referred to as a mini-stroke because it is caused by a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. This blockage resolves on its own, typically within minutes to hours, leading to temporary symptoms similar to a stroke. Option B, 'Stroke,' is incorrect because a stroke involves a more prolonged interruption of blood flow to the brain. Option C, 'Aneurysm,' is incorrect as it is a bulge in a blood vessel that can rupture and cause bleeding, not a temporary blockage of blood flow. Option D, 'Myocardial infarction,' is also incorrect as it refers to a heart attack, not a condition involving the brain's blood flow.
2. Which condition is characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle?
- A. Angina
- B. Myocardial infarction
- C. Pericarditis
- D. Arrhythmia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Angina. Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often due to coronary artery disease. Choice B, Myocardial infarction, involves the death of heart muscle tissue due to a lack of blood supply, presenting with symptoms similar to angina but more severe. Pericarditis (Choice C) is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, which may cause chest pain but is not primarily due to reduced blood flow. Arrhythmia (Choice D) refers to abnormal heart rhythms but is not directly related to chest pain due to reduced blood flow.
3. What procedure involves using a balloon to open a narrowed or blocked blood vessel, often followed by the placement of a stent?
- A. Angioplasty
- B. Valve replacement
- C. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
- D. Endarterectomy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Angioplasty. Angioplasty is a procedure that uses a balloon to open a narrowed or blocked blood vessel, often followed by the placement of a stent to maintain vessel patency. Choice B, Valve replacement, involves replacing damaged heart valves, not treating narrowed blood vessels. Choice C, Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), is a procedure to bypass blocked coronary arteries, not directly open them using a balloon. Choice D, Endarterectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove plaque from the inner lining of an artery, not involving the use of a balloon and stent to open a vessel.
4. What is the term used to describe a condition where the blood flow to the brain is temporarily interrupted, often referred to as a 'mini-stroke'?
- A. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- B. Stroke
- C. Myocardial infarction
- D. Pulmonary embolism
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transient ischemic attack (TIA). A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is often called a 'mini-stroke' because it is characterized by a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, resulting in stroke-like symptoms that typically resolve within a short period. Choice B, 'Stroke,' is incorrect because a stroke involves a more prolonged interruption of blood flow, leading to lasting brain damage. Choices C and D, 'Myocardial infarction' and 'Pulmonary embolism,' are unrelated conditions involving the heart and lungs, respectively, and do not describe a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain.
5. Which condition is characterized by the weakening and rupture of the walls of the alveoli in the lungs, reducing the surface area available for gas exchange?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Atelectasis
- D. Pulmonary fibrosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Emphysema. Emphysema is a lung condition where the walls of the alveoli become weak and rupture, reducing the surface area available for gas exchange. This leads to shortness of breath. Choice B, Bronchitis, is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not the alveoli. Choice C, Atelectasis, involves the collapse of a part or entire lung, not the weakening and rupture of alveolar walls. Choice D, Pulmonary fibrosis, is a condition where lung tissue becomes thickened and stiff, not involving the weakening and rupture of alveoli walls.
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