this is a type of medication used to relax and widen blood vessels improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure
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Cardiovascular System Exam Questions Pdf

1. 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.

2. What is the condition where the walls of the heart's ventricles become thickened, reducing the heart's ability to pump blood effectively?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Ventricular hypertrophy is the correct answer. In ventricular hypertrophy, the walls of the heart's ventricles become thickened, which decreases the heart's efficiency in pumping blood. Atrial fibrillation (choice B) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to poor blood flow. While restrictive cardiomyopathy (choice C) involves the heart muscle becoming rigid and less compliant, it is not specifically characterized by thickening of the ventricular walls. Cardiomyopathy (choice D) is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle, which can present with various symptoms and causes.

3. The client on spironolactone (Aldactone) should avoid which type of food?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Foods high in potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it helps the body retain potassium and excrete sodium. Therefore, clients on spironolactone should avoid foods high in potassium to prevent hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because spironolactone specifically affects potassium levels, not sodium, calcium, or chloride.

4. The healthcare provider is administering IV nitroglycerin to a patient for chest pain. What is the most critical parameter to monitor?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Blood pressure.' Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure, leading to hypotension. Monitoring the blood pressure is crucial to prevent potential complications such as hypotension-induced dizziness, syncope, or organ hypoperfusion. While heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate are important parameters to monitor in a clinical setting, the immediate concern with IV nitroglycerin administration is the risk of hypotension, making blood pressure the most critical parameter to assess.

5. Which term conceptualizes that the greater the myocardial fiber stretch, within physiologic limits, the more forceful the ventricular contraction, thereby increasing stroke volume?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Frank-Starling’s Law. This law explains that within physiologic limits, the greater the stretch of myocardial fibers, the more forceful the ventricular contraction, leading to an increased stroke volume. Choice B, Automaticity, refers to the ability of cardiac cells to spontaneously generate electrical impulses. Choice C, Contractility, represents the intrinsic ability of the heart muscle to contract. Choice D, Excitability, refers to the ability of cardiac cells to respond to electrical stimuli.

Similar Questions

What test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect heart rhythm problems?
Which condition involves the heart muscle becoming abnormally thickened, reducing its ability to pump blood?
What test uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart, allowing doctors to see how well the heart is functioning?
What is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body?
When administering enoxaparin (Lovenox) to a client for DVT prophylaxis, what is the most important lab value to monitor?

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