this is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thickened without an obvious cause leading to a reduction in the hearts ability to pump blood
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ATI RN

Cardiovascular System Exam

1. 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?

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.

2. This medication type is used to relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vasodilator. Vasodilators are medications that work by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure. They are commonly used in the treatment of heart conditions. Anticoagulants (choice B) are medications that prevent blood clot formation, diuretics (choice C) increase urine production to reduce fluid retention, and beta-blockers (choice D) reduce heart rate and workload on the heart. These mechanisms differ from the action of vasodilators.

3. Which of the following is a chronic lung disease that includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, characterized by obstructed airflow from the lungs?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a chronic lung disease that encompasses conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These conditions lead to obstructed airflow from the lungs, causing symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Choice B, Pulmonary fibrosis, involves scarring of the lung tissue, leading to breathing difficulties but is not specifically characterized by obstructed airflow like COPD. Asthma (Choice C) is a chronic condition characterized by airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction, not always resulting in obstructed airflow. Pneumonia (Choice D) is an acute infection of the lung tissue, causing symptoms like fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, but is not a chronic condition like COPD.

4. What is the narrowing of the arteries due to the buildup of plaque, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Coronary artery disease is the correct answer. It is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to plaque buildup, which can lead to heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues. Choice B, Peripheral artery disease, involves the narrowing of arteries in the limbs, not specifically the coronary arteries. Choice C, Aortic stenosis, refers to the narrowing of the aortic valve opening, not the arteries. Choice D, Mitral valve prolapse, is a condition where the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle doesn't close properly, unrelated to arterial narrowing.

5. The nurse is administering a calcium channel blocker. What is the primary effect of this medication on the cardiovascular system?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreases blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers primarily work by relaxing the blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. Choice A, 'Decreases heart rate,' is incorrect because calcium channel blockers do not significantly affect heart rate. Choice B, 'Increases heart rate,' is incorrect as calcium channel blockers do not have a primary effect of increasing heart rate. Choice C, 'Increases blood pressure,' is incorrect as the primary effect of calcium channel blockers is to decrease blood pressure by vasodilation.

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