Nursing Elites

1. What is a condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally enlarged, thickened, or stiffened, often leading to heart failure?

• A. Cardiomyopathy
• B. Pericarditis
• C. Aortic stenosis
• D. Mitral valve prolapse

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cardiomyopathy is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the abnormal enlargement, thickening, or stiffening of the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure. Pericarditis (choice B) is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, not directly related to heart muscle enlargement. Aortic stenosis (choice C) is the narrowing of the aortic valve opening, affecting blood flow from the heart, but not directly related to heart muscle enlargement. Mitral valve prolapse (choice D) is a condition where the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle doesn't close properly, causing blood to leak backward, and is not directly related to heart muscle enlargement.

2. What is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thickened without an obvious cause, leading to a reduction in the heart's ability to pump blood?

• A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• B. Dilated cardiomyopathy
• C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
• D. Myocarditis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the abnormal thickening of the heart muscle without an obvious cause, which impairs the heart's ability to effectively pump blood. Dilated cardiomyopathy (choice B) involves the enlargement and weakening of the heart chambers, not thickening. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (choice C) refers to the stiffening of the heart muscle, limiting its ability to fill properly. Myocarditis (choice D) is inflammation of the heart muscle usually caused by a viral infection, not thickening.

3. Which structure serves as the normal pacemaker of the heart?

• A. SA node
• B. AV node
• C. Purkinje fibers
• D. Atria

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the SA node. The sinoatrial (SA) node is known as the natural pacemaker of the heart as it generates electrical impulses initiating each heartbeat. The SA node is located in the right atrium and sets the rhythm and rate of the heartbeat. The AV node (choice B) is responsible for delaying the electrical impulse to allow the atria to contract before the ventricles. Purkinje fibers (choice C) are specialized cardiac fibers responsible for the rapid conduction of impulses to the myocardial cells, and the atria (choice D) are the upper chambers of the heart involved in receiving blood from the veins.

4. What test measures the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time, typically 24 to 48 hours?

• A. Holter monitor
• B. Echocardiogram
• C. Stress test
• D. Arterial blood gas (ABG)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Holter monitor. A Holter monitor is a portable device that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of 24 to 48 hours. It is used to detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions. Choice B, Echocardiogram, is a test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart's structure and function, not focused on the electrical activity. Choice C, Stress test, evaluates the heart's function under stress but does not monitor electrical activity over an extended period. Choice D, Arterial blood gas (ABG), measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, unrelated to measuring the electrical activity of the heart over time.

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.

Similar Questions