this is the ability of cardiac cells to respond to an impulse by transmitting the impulse along cell membranes
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Cardiovascular System Practice Exam

1. What is the ability of cardiac cells to respond to an impulse by transmitting the impulse along cell membranes?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Conductivity. Conductivity refers to the ability of cardiac cells to transmit impulses along cell membranes. Contractility (Choice A) is the ability of cardiac cells to contract in response to an electrical stimulus, not transmit impulses. Automaticity (Choice B) is the ability of cardiac cells to spontaneously generate electrical impulses. Rhythmicity (Choice D) refers to the regular generation of electrical impulses by the heart's pacemaker cells, not the transmission of impulses along cell membranes.

2. Which condition is characterized by an inability to effectively pump blood, leading to fluid buildup and swelling in the body?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Heart failure is the correct answer. It is a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, resulting in fluid accumulation and swelling in the body. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that affects its ability to pump blood but is not the specific condition described in the question. Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, not directly related to fluid buildup and swelling. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle and does not necessarily involve the inability to pump blood effectively.

3. This is a test that measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood, often used to assess respiratory function.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pulse oximetry. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive test that measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood, helping to assess respiratory and cardiovascular function. Choice B, Spirometry, measures lung function by assessing airflow and volume. Choice C, Arterial blood gas (ABG), evaluates the acidity, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Choice D, Lung function test, is a broad term that may include various tests to assess lung health, but specifically measuring oxygen saturation is done through pulse oximetry.

4. What is the procedure where a device is used to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm during a life-threatening arrhythmia?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Defibrillation. Defibrillation is the procedure of using a device to deliver an electric shock to the heart during life-threatening arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia to restore a normal rhythm. Choice B, Cardioversion, is similar but is typically used for less severe arrhythmias. Choice C, Echocardiogram, is a diagnostic test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. Choice D, Ablation, is a procedure to treat certain types of arrhythmias by scarring or destroying tissue that triggers abnormal electrical signals.

5. The client is prescribed warfarin. What should the client be taught about this medication?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid foods high in vitamin K. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication, and vitamin K can counteract its effects. Therefore, it is important for clients taking warfarin to avoid foods high in vitamin K to maintain the medication's effectiveness. Choice B is incorrect because warfarin should be taken consistently as prescribed, regardless of food intake. Choice C is incorrect because while consistency in timing is important, it is not specific to the effectiveness of warfarin. Choice D is incorrect because clients should never increase the dose of warfarin on their own, especially to make up for a missed dose, as it can lead to serious bleeding risks.

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