ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Practice Exam
1. What test uses sound waves to create images of the heart and assess its structure and function?
- A. Echocardiogram
- B. MRI
- C. CT scan
- D. X-ray
Correct answer: A
Rationale: An echocardiogram is the correct answer because it is a test specifically designed to use sound waves to create images of the heart, allowing healthcare providers to assess both its structure and function, as well as to detect any abnormalities. MRI (Choice B), CT scan (Choice C), and X-ray (Choice D) do not primarily use sound waves for imaging the heart; therefore, they are not the most appropriate choices for this scenario.
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 is the amount of blood the heart pumps through the circulatory system in a minute?
- A. Cardiac output
- B. Stroke volume
- C. End-diastolic volume
- D. Ejection fraction
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiac output. Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute. It is calculated by multiplying the stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped out of the heart in each beat) by the heart rate (number of heartbeats per minute). This question specifically asks for the total amount of blood pumped through the circulatory system in a minute, which is represented by cardiac output. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because stroke volume refers to the amount of blood pumped out of the heart in each beat, end-diastolic volume is the volume of blood in the heart at the end of diastole, and ejection fraction is the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart with each contraction, not the total amount pumped per minute.
4. Which term refers to the contraction phase of the heart when blood is ejected from the chambers?
- A. Systole
- B. Diastole
- C. Contractility
- D. Afterload
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, systole. Systole is the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. During diastole (choice B), the heart relaxes and fills with blood, contrasting with systole. Contractility (choice C) refers to the ability of the heart to contract effectively. Afterload (choice D) is the pressure the heart must work against to eject blood during systole.
5. What is a type of pneumonia that is contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets?
- A. Legionnaires' disease
- B. Tuberculosis
- C. Asbestosis
- D. Histoplasmosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Legionnaires' disease. Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. This bacterium thrives in water systems such as air conditioning units, hot tubs, and water fountains. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Asbestosis is caused by asbestos fibers, and Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus found in bird and bat droppings.
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