Heart Failure: Causes, Types, and Compensatory Mechanisms

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a compensatory mechanism that can lead to decompensation in heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Increased cardiac output

Answer

Increased sympathetic activity

Answer

Increased blood volume

Answer

Increased venous capacitance

Question 2

Which of the following nursing interventions is most important in educating a patient with heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Educating the patient about the condition and lifestyle modifications

Answer

Administering diuretics as prescribed

Answer

Monitoring vital signs frequently

Answer

Providing emotional support

Question 3

Which laboratory test is most useful in the initial diagnosis of acute heart failure?

Accepted Answer

BNP

Answer

Troponin

Answer

Creatinine

Answer

Hemoglobin

Question 4

Which of the following patient presentations is most suggestive of a low cardiac output state?

Accepted Answer

Oliguria

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Tachypnea

Answer

Warm extremities

Question 5

Which of the following is a common cause of systolic heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Myocardial infarction

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Valvular heart disease

Question 6

What is the primary mechanism of death in patients with advanced heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Cardiogenic shock

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Stroke

Answer

Sepsis

Question 7

What is the central pathophysiological mechanism underlying diastolic heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Reduced ventricular compliance

Answer

Increased afterload

Answer

Myocardial ischemia

Answer

Arrhythmias

Question 8

Which of the following signs or symptoms is NOT typically associated with right-sided heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Jugular venous distension

Answer

Hepatomegaly

Answer

Cyanosis

Question 9

Which type of heart failure is characterized by an impaired ability of the ventricles to fill adequately?

Accepted Answer

Diastolic heart failure

Answer

Systolic heart failure

Answer

Right-sided heart failure

Answer

Left-sided heart failure

Question 10

Which diagnostic modality is most commonly utilized to evaluate the structure and function of the heart in patients with suspected heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Echocardiogram

Answer

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Answer

Cardiac catheterization

Answer

Chest X-ray

Question 11

The primary pharmacological approach in managing heart failure aims to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce myocardial workload

Answer

Enhance cardiac contractility

Answer

Prevent arrhythmias

Answer

Control blood pressure

Question 12

Which type of heart failure is characterized by a rapid onset and a significant decrease in cardiac output?

Accepted Answer

Acute heart failure

Answer

Chronic heart failure

Answer

Systolic heart failure

Answer

Diastolic heart failure

Question 13

The Frank-Starling mechanism describes the relationship between:

Accepted Answer

Cardiac output and filling volume

Answer

Heart rate and ejection fraction

Answer

Blood pressure and myocardial contractility

Answer

Heart size and cardiac function

Question 14

Which of the following is a **primary** cause of systolic heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Coronary artery disease

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Thyroid disease

Question 15

Which clinical manifestation is **most** often associated with systolic heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Dyspnea on exertion

Answer

Edema

Answer

Orthopnea

Answer

Nocturia

Question 16

Which patient with heart failure is **at greatest risk** for sudden cardiac death?

Accepted Answer

Patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 25%

Answer

Patient with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and a LVEF of 50%

Answer

Patient with a pacemaker

Answer

Patient with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)

Question 17

In heart failure, why is it beneficial to use a combination of medications with varying mechanisms of action?

Accepted Answer

To address multiple underlying mechanisms contributing to heart failure.

Answer

To reduce the likelihood of adverse reactions.

Answer

To improve patient adherence to treatment.

Question 18

Which of the following is the most common cause of left-sided heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Ischemic heart disease

Answer

Valvular heart disease

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Cardiomyopathy

Question 19

Which type of heart failure occurs when the left ventricle is unable to relax properly, leading to impaired filling?

Accepted Answer

Diastolic heart failure

Answer

Systolic heart failure

Answer

Biventricular heart failure

Answer

Acute heart failure

Question 20

In response to heart failure, which hormonal system is activated, leading to increased blood pressure and fluid retention?

Accepted Answer

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

Answer

Sympathetic nervous system

Answer

Parasympathetic nervous system

Answer

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

Question 21

For a definitive diagnosis of heart failure, which imaging technique is considered the gold standard?

Accepted Answer

Echocardiography

Answer

Chest X-ray

Answer

Cardiac catheterization

Answer

Electrocardiogram

Question 22

Which class of medication is commonly used to reduce heart rate and blood pressure in systolic heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Beta-blockers

Answer

ACE inhibitors

Answer

Diuretics

Answer

Antiarrhythmics

Question 23

For patients with advanced heart failure, the overall prognosis tends to be:

Accepted Answer

Poor

Answer

Excellent

Answer

Good

Answer

Variable

Question 24

What is the main function of the sympathetic nervous system in response to heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Increase heart rate, contractility, and blood pressure

Answer

Decrease blood pressure

Answer

Dilate blood vessels

Answer

Reduce fluid retention

Question 25

Which type of heart failure is characterized by preserved ejection fraction?

Accepted Answer

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)

Answer

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)

Answer

Diastolic heart failure

Answer

Systolic heart failure

Question 26

What is the primary role of loop diuretics in the treatment of heart failure?

Accepted Answer

To increase urine output and reduce fluid retention

Answer

To lower blood pressure

Answer

To improve myocardial contractility

Answer

To prevent arrhythmias

Question 27

Which of the following is a potential complication of heart failure that can lead to respiratory distress?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary edema

Answer

Myocardial infarction

Answer

Stroke

Answer

Renal failure

Question 28

What is the main goal of palliative care in the management of heart failure?

Accepted Answer

To improve quality of life

Answer

To prolong life

Answer

To prevent hospitalization

Answer

To eliminate symptoms

Question 29

What is the primary cause of systolic heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Weakening of the heart muscle

Answer

Stiffening of the heart muscle

Answer

Valvular regurgitation

Question 30

What is the prognosis for patients with advanced heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Generally unfavorable

Answer

Generally favorable

Answer

Dependent on the underlying etiology

Question 31

Which compensatory mechanism in heart failure can lead to adverse effects?

Accepted Answer

Vasoconstriction

Answer

Increased myocardial contractility

Answer

Increased heart rate

Answer

Increased renal blood flow

Question 32

Which type of heart failure is characterized by normal left ventricular systolic function?

Accepted Answer

Diastolic heart failure

Answer

Systolic heart failure

Answer

Biventricular heart failure

Answer

Right-sided heart failure

Question 33

Which of the following is a common symptom of right-sided heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral edema

Answer

Dyspnea

Answer

Orthopnea

Answer

Fatigue

Question 34

Which dietary recommendation is appropriate for patients with heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Low-sodium diet

Answer

High-protein diet

Answer

Low-carbohydrate diet

Answer

High-fat diet

Question 35

What is the primary mechanism of action of beta-blockers in heart failure treatment?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate and myocardial contractility

Answer

Increased myocardial contractility

Answer

Vasodilation

Answer

Improved myocardial perfusion

Question 36

Which factor is a significant prognostic indicator in heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Ejection fraction

Answer

Serum creatinine

Answer

Blood pressure

Answer

Body mass index

Question 37

Prolonged activation of compensatory mechanisms in heart failure can lead to which of the following negative consequences?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of myocardial fibrosis

Answer

Increased cardiac contractility

Answer

Improved ventricular remodeling

Answer

Reduced risk of heart failure progression

Question 38

Identify a clinical manifestation associated with right-sided heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Ascites

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Ankle edema

Answer

Tachycardia

Question 39

Which medication is commonly employed to reduce fluid overload in heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Furosemide

Answer

Digoxin

Answer

Metoprolol

Answer

Nitroglycerin

Question 40

What is the general prognosis for patients with advanced heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Poor

Answer

Excellent

Answer

Good

Answer

Variable

Question 41

What type of heart failure is characterized by an impaired ejection fraction?

Accepted Answer

Systolic heart failure

Answer

Diastolic heart failure

Answer

Ischemic heart failure

Answer

Non-ischemic heart failure

Question 42

What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism of systolic heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Impaired contractility of the heart muscle

Answer

Stiffening of the heart muscle

Answer

Loss of cardiomyocytes

Answer

Aortic valve regurgitation

Question 43

Which of the following mechanisms is NOT a compensatory response to impaired cardiac function in heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced myocardial contractility

Answer

Increased sympathetic nervous system activity

Answer

Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

Answer

Vasoconstriction of peripheral arteries

Question 44

Identify a potential cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Accepted Answer

Systemic hypertension

Answer

Coronary artery disease

Answer

Valvular heart disease

Answer

Viral myocarditis

Question 45

In response to decreased cardiac output, which neurohormonal pathway is primarily activated in heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

Answer

Sympathetic nervous system

Answer

Vasopressin secretion

Answer

Endothelin release

Question 46

What term describes the progressive decline in cardiac function in heart failure, resulting in worsening symptoms and organ dysfunction?

Accepted Answer

Decompensation

Answer

Exacerbation

Answer

Refractory heart failure

Answer

Acute heart failure

Question 47

What is the term used to describe the gradual worsening of heart failure symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Decompensation

Answer

Compensation

Answer

Exacerbation

Answer

Remission

Question 48

Which of the following is a compensatory mechanism that the body uses to try and maintain adequate blood flow in heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Increased sympathetic tone

Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Reduced systemic vascular resistance

Answer

Decreased cardiac output

Question 49

What is the most common underlying cause of heart failure in developed countries?

Accepted Answer

Coronary artery disease

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Diabetes mellitus

Answer

Valvular heart disease

Question 50

Which of the following is a clinical manifestation specifically associated with right-sided heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Jugular venous distension

Answer

Dyspnea on exertion

Answer

Orthopnea

Answer

Oliguria

Question 51

What is the primary goal of pharmacological therapy in heart failure management?

Accepted Answer

To improve symptoms and reduce mortality

Answer

To prevent future episodes of heart failure

Answer

To normalize cardiac function

Answer

To reverse the underlying cause

Question 52

Which of the following is a direct consequence of decreased cardiac output in heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Tissue hypoxia

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Hypervolemia

Answer

Tachycardia

Question 53

Which of the following is the primary mechanism leading to the development of pulmonary edema in heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Increased hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary capillaries

Answer

Increased fluid intake

Answer

Altered capillary permeability

Answer

Decreased lymphatic drainage

Question 54

What is the fundamental pathophysiological mechanism that underlies the development of heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Impaired myocardial contractility

Answer

Valvular dysfunction

Answer

Electrolyte imbalance

Answer

Increased cardiac workload