Cardiovascular Pathophysiology: Learn About Heart Disease Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Question 1

What is the main cause of a heart attack (myocardial infarction)?

Accepted Answer

A rupture in a buildup of fatty material in an artery (atherosclerotic plaque)

Answer

A sudden narrowing of a coronary artery

Answer

A blood clot traveling from the heart to block an artery

Answer

An infection in the heart muscle

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a recognized risk factor for developing coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Accepted Answer

Regular physical activity

Answer

Smoking

Answer

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Answer

High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT typically considered a protective factor against coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Accepted Answer

High intake of saturated and trans fats

Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Mediterranean-style diet

Answer

Moderate alcohol consumption

Question 4

Which of the following is a well-known risk factor for developing Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?

Accepted Answer

Smoking cigarettes

Answer

Regular moderate-intensity exercise

Answer

Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

Answer

Experiencing low levels of stress

Question 5

Which modifiable risk factor plays a significant role in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Accepted Answer

High blood pressure

Accepted Answer

Smoking

Answer

Age

Answer

Family history

Question 6

Which of these factors is inversely related to the risk of developing coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

High blood pressure

Answer

High cholesterol

Answer

Smoking

Question 7

Which of the following increases your risk of developing coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

High blood pressure

Accepted Answer

Obesity

Answer

Low blood cholesterol

Answer

Regular exercise

Question 8

In the United States, what is the primary cause of death?

Accepted Answer

Cardiovascular disease (e.g., heart attack, stroke, heart failure)

Answer

Cancer

Answer

Chronic respiratory disease (e.g., COPD, asthma)

Answer

Diabetes

Question 9

What is a key clinical sign of an acute myocardial infarction (MI)?

Accepted Answer

Sudden, severe chest pain

Answer

Isolated abdominal pain

Answer

Gradual shortness of breath

Answer

Occasional nausea and vomiting

Question 10

Which of the following is a primary risk factor for developing coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Accepted Answer

Sustained hypertension

Accepted Answer

Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol

Answer

Regular physical activity

Answer

Optimal body mass index (BMI)

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a factor that can be changed to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Smoking

Answer

High blood pressure

Answer

High cholesterol

Question 12

Which of these is a significant, adjustable risk factor for coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

High blood pressure

Accepted Answer

Smoking

Answer

Age

Answer

Family history of heart disease

Question 13

For patients with a history of coronary artery disease, which event is the most common trigger for sudden cardiac death?

Accepted Answer

Acute myocardial infarction

Answer

Heart failure

Answer

Stroke

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Question 14

Which of the following conditions increase the risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension

Accepted Answer

Obesity

Accepted Answer

Diabetes mellitus

Answer

Regular physical activity

Question 15

Which of the following is a non-modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Accepted Answer

Genetics

Answer

Uncontrolled blood pressure

Answer

Tobacco use

Answer

High levels of LDL cholesterol

Question 16

Which of these is NOT a factor that can be changed to lower the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Accepted Answer

Family history of CAD

Answer

High blood pressure

Answer

High levels of LDL cholesterol

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a type of arrhythmia?

Accepted Answer

Cardiomegaly

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Fibrillation

Question 18

Which pulmonary complication is commonly associated with severe left-sided valvular heart disease?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary edema

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Pneumothorax

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

High blood pressure

Answer

Smoking

Answer

Obesity

Question 20

Which histological change definitively indicates irreversible myocardial cell death in myocardial infarction (MI)?

Accepted Answer

Coagulation necrosis of cardiomyocytes

Answer

Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy

Answer

Endothelial cell apoptosis

Question 21

Identify the most significant modifiable risk factor for developing coronary artery disease (CAD).

Accepted Answer

Smoking

Answer

High blood pressure

Answer

High cholesterol

Answer

Lack of physical activity

Question 22

Identify the condition that is a recognized risk factor for developing hypertension:

Accepted Answer

Obesity

Answer

Maintaining a healthy weight

Answer

Engaging in regular aerobic exercise

Question 23

In a cardiovascular assessment, what is the nurse's primary focus?

Accepted Answer

Assessing the patient's heart rate, rhythm, and blood pressure

Answer

Evaluating the patient's respiratory rate and oxygen saturation

Answer

Assessing the patient's neurological status and reflexes

Answer

Inspecting the patient's skin and mucous membranes for signs of dehydration

Question 24

In the context of coronary artery disease (CAD), what is the primary factor contributing to the formation of blood clots (thrombi) in ruptured atherosclerotic plaques?

Accepted Answer

Activation and aggregation of platelets

Answer

Increased production of red blood cells

Answer

Elevated levels of white blood cells

Answer

Increased production of plasma proteins

Question 25

Which of the following characterizes atherosclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Plaques made of fibrous tissue, lipids, and calcium

Answer

Enlarged and weakened blood vessels

Answer

Increased heart rate and cardiac output

Answer

Elevated red blood cell production

Question 26

Which valvular heart disease is characterized by the abnormal fusion of two leaflets, resulting in a bicuspid valve instead of the normal tricuspid valve?

Accepted Answer

Bicuspid aortic valve

Answer

Mitral stenosis

Answer

Aortic insufficiency

Answer

Pulmonary regurgitation

Question 27

Within cardiovascular pathophysiology, which arrhythmia originates from the atrioventricular (AV) node or bundle of His, exhibiting an unusually rapid heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

Answer

Ventricular tachycardia (VT)

Answer

Atrial fibrillation (AFib)

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a factor that can be changed to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Accepted Answer

Getting older

Answer

High blood pressure

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Smoking

Question 29

Which arrhythmia is characterized by an unusually slow heart rate, typically below 60 beats per minute?

Accepted Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Palpitation

Answer

Atrial fibrillation

Question 30

Which of the following are major complications of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?

Accepted Answer

Myocardial Infarction

Accepted Answer

Heart Failure

Answer

Stroke

Question 31

Which of these factors significantly increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Accepted Answer

Advancing age

Accepted Answer

Low levels of HDL cholesterol

Answer

Frequent physical activity

Answer

Being female

Question 32

In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), what is the most prevalent cause of sudden cardiac death?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular fibrillation

Answer

Stable angina

Answer

Ventricular tachycardia

Answer

Bradycardia

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Smoking

Answer

High Blood Pressure

Answer

Physical Inactivity

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for developing coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

Drinking plenty of water

Answer

Smoking

Answer

Sedentary lifestyle

Answer

Uncontrolled high blood pressure

Question 35

Which of the following is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes

Answer

HIV

Answer

Osteoporosis

Answer

Asthma

Question 36

Which of the following is not a typical symptom of atrial fibrillation?

Accepted Answer

Chest pain

Answer

Palpitations

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Fatigue

Question 37

Which ECG finding indicates myocardial ischemia?

Accepted Answer

ST segment depression in multiple leads

Answer

ST segment elevation in multiple leads

Answer

Q waves in multiple leads

Answer

T wave inversion in multiple leads

Question 38

Identify the non-modifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD):

Accepted Answer

Genetics

Accepted Answer

Aging

Answer

Smoking

Answer

Obesity

Question 39

Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes unstable angina from stable angina?

Accepted Answer

Stable angina causes chest pain triggered by exertion and relieved by rest, while unstable angina causes chest pain that persists despite rest.

Answer

Stable angina results from a complete coronary artery blockage, while unstable angina results from a partial blockage.

Answer

Stable angina poses a higher risk of heart attack than unstable angina.

Answer

Stable and unstable angina require identical treatment approaches.

Question 40

In providing comprehensive care to patients with cardiovascular disorders, which of the following is essential?

Accepted Answer

Collaborating with a team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, and dietitians

Answer

Working independently without consulting other healthcare professionals

Answer

Consulting with physicians only when absolutely necessary

Answer

Providing emotional support to patients without addressing their medical needs

Question 41

Which of the following is a **non-modifiable** factor that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease?

Accepted Answer

Family history of cardiovascular disease

Answer

Physical inactivity

Answer

Unhealthy diet

Answer

Smoking

Question 42

Which psychosocial factor is associated with the development and progression of cardiovascular disease?

Accepted Answer

Social isolation

Answer

Positive life events

Answer

Increased physical activity

Answer

Healthy diet

Question 43

A patient presents with severe aortic stenosis. Which of the following best describes the expected changes to their left ventricle?

Accepted Answer

Increased preload, decreased stroke volume, and increased afterload

Answer

Increased preload, increased stroke volume, and decreased afterload

Answer

Decreased preload, increased stroke volume, and increased afterload

Answer

Increased preload, decreased stroke volume, and decreased afterload

Question 44

In the management of cardiogenic shock, which nursing intervention is paramount?

Accepted Answer

Administering vasopressors to augment blood pressure.

Answer

Restricting fluid intake to mitigate fluid overload.

Answer

Providing oxygen therapy to enhance tissue oxygenation.

Answer

Administering diuretics to promote diuresis.

Question 45

A patient with advanced heart failure has stated their desire to decline further life-sustaining treatments. Which ethical principle should the nurse prioritize in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 46

Which of the following is a non-modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Smoking

Answer

High blood pressure

Answer

High cholesterol

Question 47

In end-of-life care for patients with advanced cardiovascular disease, which ethical principles and factors should guide decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice

Answer

Patient autonomy alone

Answer

Family members' decisions only

Answer

Cultural and religious beliefs are irrelevant

Question 48

Which of the following is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular fibrillation

Answer

Asystole

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Myocardial infarction

Question 49

What is the primary function of the heart in the body?

Accepted Answer

To pump blood

Answer

To filter blood

Answer

To produce hormones

Answer

To regulate body temperature

Question 50

Atherosclerosis is characterized by the accumulation of:

Accepted Answer

Fatty deposits and fibrous plaques in the arteries

Answer

Blood clots in the veins

Answer

Inflammation in the heart muscle

Answer

Narrowing of the arteries due to inflammation

Question 51

The most common cause of sudden cardiac death is:

Accepted Answer

Ventricular arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)

Answer

Myocardial infarction (heart attack)

Answer

Heart failure

Answer

Stroke

Question 52

Which of the following medications is commonly used to treat hypertension?

Accepted Answer

ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril)

Answer

Statins (e.g., simvastatin, atorvastatin)

Answer

Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, heparin)

Answer

Antibiotics (e.g., penicillin, erythromycin)

Question 53

The most common type of valvular heart disease is:

Accepted Answer

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP)

Answer

Aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve)

Answer

Tricuspid regurgitation (leaking of the tricuspid valve)

Answer

Pulmonary stenosis (narrowing of the pulmonary valve)

Question 54

Which of the following is the leading cause of death from cardiovascular disease in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Coronary artery disease

Answer

Heart failure

Answer

Stroke

Answer

Hypertension

Question 55

What is the main function of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the development of hypertension?

Accepted Answer

To increase blood pressure

Answer

To decrease blood pressure

Answer

To maintain electrolyte balance

Answer

To regulate heart rate

Question 56

Which of the following medications is commonly used to treat angina?

Accepted Answer

Nitroglycerin

Answer

Digoxin

Answer

Warfarin

Answer

Aspirin

Question 57

What is the primary goal of treatment for heart failure?

Accepted Answer

To improve symptoms and quality of life

Answer

To cure the underlying cause

Answer

To prevent complications

Answer

To prolong survival

Question 58

What is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Systolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts, while diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart relaxes

Answer

Diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts, while systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart relaxes

Answer

Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure are measured when the heart contracts

Answer

Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure are measured when the heart relaxes

Question 59

Which of the following is the primary cause of coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

Atherosclerosis

Answer

Vasculitis

Answer

Cardiac arrhythmia

Answer

Arteriovenous malformation

Question 60

Which clinical manifestation is characteristic of angina pectoris?

Accepted Answer

Chest pain

Answer

Fatigue

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Diaphoresis

Question 61

What is the role of the endothelium in regulating blood vessel tone?

Accepted Answer

Releasing vasodilators

Answer

Producing vasoconstrictors

Answer

Storing calcium ions

Answer

Generating electrical signals

Question 62

Which complication is commonly associated with myocardial infarction?

Accepted Answer

Heart failure

Answer

Stroke

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Sepsis

Question 63

To enhance medication adherence among patients with cardiovascular diseases, which approach is most effective?

Accepted Answer

Collaborating with patients to identify and overcome barriers to adherence.

Answer

Providing written instructions for medication administration.

Answer

Emphasizing the importance of medication adherence without addressing potential obstacles.

Answer

Using automated reminders without patient involvement.

Question 64

What is the most common initial symptom of an acute aortic dissection?

Accepted Answer

Sudden, severe chest pain

Answer

Productive cough with thick mucus

Answer

Swelling in both legs

Answer

Increasing difficulty breathing