ATI RN
Physical Exam Cardiovascular System
1. What test evaluates the heart's response to physical stress, often involving exercise on a treadmill while monitoring the heart?
- A. Stress test
- B. Echocardiogram
- C. Holter monitor
- D. CT angiography
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A stress test, also known as an exercise stress test, evaluates the heart's response to physical stress by monitoring its activity during exercise, typically on a treadmill. This test helps assess the heart's performance, detect coronary artery disease, and evaluate the effectiveness of heart treatments. Echocardiogram (choice B) is an ultrasound of the heart that provides detailed images of the heart's structure and function, but it does not involve physical stress like a stress test. Holter monitor (choice C) is a device for continuously monitoring the heart's rhythm and rate over a period (usually 24-48 hours), not during exercise. CT angiography (choice D) is a diagnostic test that uses X-rays to visualize blood vessels but does not involve physical stress like a stress test.
2. 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.
3. Which condition is characterized by the narrowing or blockage of arteries that supply blood to the heart by plaque?
- A. Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- B. Atherosclerosis
- C. Peripheral artery disease
- D. Congestive heart failure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD specifically refers to the condition where the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup. Choice B, Atherosclerosis, is a general term for the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup but does not specifically mention the heart. Choice C, Peripheral artery disease, involves narrowing of arteries that supply blood to areas other than the heart. Choice D, Congestive heart failure, is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively but is not primarily caused by narrowed or blocked arteries.
4. What is this surgical procedure that restores blood flow to the heart by diverting blood around a blocked artery?
- A. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
- B. Angioplasty
- C. Stent placement
- D. Valve replacement
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), which is a surgical procedure to improve blood flow to the heart by redirecting blood around blocked or narrowed arteries. This procedure is specifically designed to bypass blocked coronary arteries, allowing blood to flow more freely to the heart muscle. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because angioplasty involves opening up narrowed or blocked blood vessels, stent placement involves inserting a mesh tube to keep arteries open, and valve replacement involves replacing a damaged heart valve - none of which directly address diverting blood flow around a blocked artery.
5. What is the ability of cardiac cells to respond to an impulse by contracting?
- A. Excitability
- B. Contractility
- C. Rhythmicity
- D. Conductivity
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Excitability is the correct term that describes the ability of cardiac cells to respond to an impulse by contracting. Excitability refers to the cell's ability to respond to stimuli and generate an action potential. Choice B, Contractility, is incorrect as it refers to the ability of cardiac cells to contract after receiving a stimulus, not the response to the impulse itself. Choice C, Rhythmicity, is incorrect as it pertains to the heart's ability to contract rhythmically without external stimulation. Choice D, Conductivity, is incorrect as it refers to the ability of cardiac cells to transmit an impulse from cell to cell, not the direct response to the impulse by contracting.
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