ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam
1. What is a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is consistently too high, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Hypotension
- C. Diabetes
- D. Hyperlipidemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. This increased pressure can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease and stroke. Hypotension (choice B) refers to low blood pressure, which is not the correct term in this context. Diabetes (choice C) and hyperlipidemia (choice D) are also serious conditions but are not specifically characterized by consistently high blood pressure.
2. Which neurotransmitter is released by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to increase heart rate and the force of contraction of the heart?
- A. Norepinephrine
- B. Epinephrine
- C. Dopamine
- D. Acetylcholine
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter released by the sympathetic nervous system that increases heart rate and the force of contraction. Epinephrine, though similar, is more involved in the fight-or-flight response and has a broader range of effects on various organs. Dopamine is not primarily responsible for increasing heart rate and contractility. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that predominantly acts on the parasympathetic nervous system to decrease heart rate and contractility.
3. Which condition is characterized by fluid collection in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe?
- A. Pulmonary edema
- B. Pleurisy
- C. Pleural effusion
- D. Pneumothorax
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pulmonary edema. Pulmonary edema is a condition where fluid accumulates in the air sacs of the lungs, causing breathing difficulty. Pleurisy (choice B) is inflammation of the pleura causing chest pain. Pleural effusion (choice C) is the buildup of excess fluid in the pleural space, the area between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity. Pneumothorax (choice D) is the presence of air in the pleural space, which can cause a lung to collapse.
4. Which valves close during ventricular systole and open during ventricular diastole?
- A. Semilunar valves
- B. Atrioventricular Valves
- C. Mitral valve
- D. Tricuspid valve
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Atrioventricular Valves. The atrioventricular (AV) valves, including the mitral valve and tricuspid valve, close during ventricular systole to prevent backflow of blood from the ventricles into the atria. They open during ventricular diastole to allow blood flow from the atria into the ventricles. Semilunar valves, choice A, are located at the exits of the ventricles and prevent backflow into the ventricles. The mitral valve and tricuspid valve, choices C and D, are specific types of AV valves.
5. Which type of heart valve disease occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left atrium?
- A. Mitral regurgitation
- B. Aortic stenosis
- C. Tricuspid regurgitation
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Mitral regurgitation is the correct answer. It occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left atrium. This condition can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and if left untreated, it can progress to heart failure. Aortic stenosis (choice B) is a different heart valve condition characterized by narrowing of the aortic valve, restricting blood flow from the heart. Tricuspid regurgitation (choice C) involves the tricuspid valve not closing properly, leading to blood flowing back into the right atrium. Pulmonary hypertension (choice D) is a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.
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