Nursing Elites

1. Which structure serves as the major chemoreceptor of the heart?

• A. Carotid body
• B. Aortic body
• C. Vagus nerve
• D. SA node

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, the carotid body. The carotid body is the major chemoreceptor of the heart responsible for detecting changes in blood oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels. This specialized structure helps regulate the cardiovascular system's response to maintain appropriate oxygen levels in the blood. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not directly involved in chemoreception in the heart. The aortic body is primarily involved in blood pressure regulation, the vagus nerve is a cranial nerve responsible for parasympathetic innervation, and the SA node is known as the heart's natural pacemaker.

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

• A. Ventricular hypertrophy
• B. Atrial fibrillation
• C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
• D. Cardiomyopathy

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. What is a condition where the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients?

• A. Stroke
• B. Heart attack
• C. Pulmonary embolism
• D. Pneumonia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to brain cell death and potential disability. Choice B, a heart attack, involves a blockage in the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. Choice C, a pulmonary embolism, is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. Choice D, pneumonia, is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.

4. What is the term that describes the inability of cardiac cells to respond to a new stimulus while they are still in contraction from a previous stimulus?

• A. Refractoriness
• B. Excitability
• C. Contractility
• D. Automaticity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Refractoriness is the correct term to describe the inability of cardiac cells to respond to a new stimulus while they are still in contraction from a previous stimulus. This period is essential for the heart to complete its contraction and relaxation phases without interference. Excitability refers to the ability of cells to respond to stimuli, not the inability to respond. Contractility is the force of cardiac muscle contraction, and automaticity is the ability of cardiac cells to generate electrical impulses spontaneously, which are not relevant to the described scenario.

5. What is a condition where the heart's mitral valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak backward into the left atrium?

• A. Mitral valve prolapse
• B. Aortic stenosis
• C. Mitral stenosis
• D. Tricuspid regurgitation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mitral valve prolapse is the correct answer. It occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, leading to blood leaking backward into the left atrium. This condition can manifest with symptoms such as palpitations and chest pain. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because aortic stenosis involves narrowing of the aortic valve, mitral stenosis is the narrowing of the mitral valve, and tricuspid regurgitation is when blood leaks backward through the tricuspid valve.

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