ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Exam Questions
1. What type of medication is used to relax the muscles around the airways and improve breathing in conditions like asthma and COPD?
- A. Bronchodilator
- B. Corticosteroid
- C. Mucolytic
- D. Antihistamine
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Bronchodilators are medications that relax the muscles around the airways, improving airflow and making breathing easier for patients with asthma or COPD. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce airway inflammation, while mucolytics help in thinning and clearing mucus. Antihistamines are used to treat allergies and not specifically to improve breathing in conditions like asthma or COPD.
2. From where do these originate, behind the cusps of the aortic valve, in an area known as Valsalva’s sinus?
- A. Pulmonary valve
- B. Aortic valve
- C. Tricuspid valve
- D. Mitral valve
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Aortic valve. The aortic valve is a semilunar valve located between the left ventricle and the aorta. It prevents the backflow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle. The pulmonary valve (choice A) is located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, not in the Valsalva’s sinus area. The tricuspid valve (choice C) is situated between the right atrium and right ventricle, and the mitral valve (choice D) is located between the left atrium and left ventricle, making them incorrect choices for this question.
3. Which test measures how much and how quickly you can move air out of your lungs?
- A. Spirometry
- B. Peak flow meter
- C. Lung volume test
- D. Arterial blood gas
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Spirometry. Spirometry is a common pulmonary function test that measures lung function by assessing the amount (volume) and speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. This test helps in diagnosing conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other lung diseases. Peak flow meter (choice B) measures the maximum speed at which a person can exhale air, mainly used in asthma management. Lung volume test (choice C) evaluates the total amount of air the lungs can hold. Arterial blood gas (choice D) measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, providing information on how well the lungs are functioning in gas exchange, but it does not specifically measure the amount and speed of air movement in and out of the lungs like spirometry does.
4. Which condition involves the heart muscle becoming abnormally thickened, reducing its ability to pump blood?
- A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- B. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Ischemic cardiomyopathy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In this condition, the heart muscle thickens, leading to a decreased ability to pump blood effectively. Choice B, Dilated cardiomyopathy, is characterized by the heart chambers enlarging and weakening. Choice C, Restrictive cardiomyopathy, involves the heart muscle becoming rigid and less compliant. Choice D, Ischemic cardiomyopathy, is when the heart muscle is weakened due to reduced blood flow.
5. What is a condition where the walls of the arteries in the lungs become thickened and stiff, leading to increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries?
- A. Pulmonary hypertension
- B. Pulmonary fibrosis
- C. Pulmonary embolism
- D. Pulmonary edema
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pulmonary hypertension is a condition characterized by the thickening and stiffening of the arteries in the lungs, resulting in elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This condition is distinct from the other choices provided. Pulmonary fibrosis involves scarring of lung tissue, pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary artery, and pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
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