Cardiovascular System Exam

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the abnormal thickening of the heart muscle without an obvious cause, which impairs the heart's ability to effectively pump blood. Dilated cardiomyopathy (choice B) involves the enlargement and weakening of the heart chambers, not thickening. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (choice C) refers to the stiffening of the heart muscle, limiting its ability to fill properly. Myocarditis (choice D) is inflammation of the heart muscle usually caused by a viral infection, not thickening.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When a client on amiodarone develops pulmonary fibrosis, a serious side effect, the immediate action the nurse should take is to notify the healthcare provider. This is crucial because pulmonary fibrosis can lead to severe respiratory compromise and requires prompt evaluation and management by the healthcare provider. Continuing the medication (choice B) can worsen the condition, and delaying action by reducing the dose and monitoring respiratory status (choice D) may not be appropriate given the seriousness of pulmonary fibrosis. Discontinuing the medication and starting oxygen therapy (choice C) may be necessary, but the priority is to notify the healthcare provider first for further assessment and guidance.

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain, leading to brain damage. Choice B, Hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by bleeding in the brain, not a blockage. Choice C, Transient ischemic attack, is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain with symptoms similar to a stroke but typically lasting only a few minutes. Choice D, Embolism, refers to a blood clot or other particle that travels through the bloodstream and blocks a blood vessel.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Purkinje fibers. Purkinje fibers are specialized conducting fibers that distribute the electrical impulse to the ventricles, leading to their contraction. The SA node (sinoatrial node) is responsible for initiating the electrical impulse in the heart, the AV node (atrioventricular node) delays the impulse to allow for proper atrial contraction before ventricular contraction, and the Bundle of His transmits the impulse from the AV node to the ventricles. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are not the correct options for fibers directly distributing the impulse to the ventricles.