Question 1

Which of the following best describes the path of an erythrocyte as it travels through the cardiovascular system, starting from the right atrium?

Accepted Answer

Right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary artery → lungs → left atrium → left ventricle → aorta → systemic circulation → vena cava → right atrium

Question 2

Which component of the heart's conduction system is known as the pacemaker and initiates the sinus rhythm?

Accepted Answer

Sinoatrial (SA) node

Question 3

A patient presents with a heart rate of 45 beats per minute. Which term best describes this condition, and what is a likely effect?

Accepted Answer

Bradycardia; stroke volume increased

Question 4

Which of the following equations correctly represents cardiac output (CO)?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 5

A patient with a history of hypertension is prescribed an ACE inhibitor. What is the primary mechanism of action for this drug?

Accepted Answer

Blocks conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, lowering blood pressure

Question 6

Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for atherosclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Obesity

Question 7

A patient experiences chest pain at rest due to a coronary artery vasospasm. Which type of angina is this?

Accepted Answer

Variant angina

Question 8

Which laboratory finding is most indicative of a recent myocardial infarction within the first 24 hours?

Accepted Answer

Elevated creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB)

Question 9

A patient with left-sided congestive heart failure is most likely to experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary congestion and dyspnea

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why aortic stenosis can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy?

Accepted Answer

Increased afterload requires the left ventricle to generate higher pressure to eject blood

Question 11

Which of the following is a likely complication of untreated deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Question 12

A patient with a history of rheumatic fever is at increased risk for which cardiac complication?

Accepted Answer

Valvular incompetence

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Increased output leads to vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure

Question 14

A patient is diagnosed with third-degree heart block. Which of the following best describes this condition?

Accepted Answer

No transmission of impulses from atria to ventricles

Question 15

Which hormone increases blood pressure by increasing blood volume?

Accepted Answer

Aldosterone

Question 16

A patient with a history of atherosclerosis develops sudden, severe chest pain radiating to the left arm. Which event is most likely occurring?

Accepted Answer

Myocardial infarction due to total coronary artery occlusion

Question 17

Which of the following is a primary effect of left-sided heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary edema

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)?

Accepted Answer

Transports cholesterol away from peripheral cells to the liver for excretion

Question 19

A patient with chronic hypertension is at greatest risk for damage to which organs?

Accepted Answer

Kidneys, heart, brain, and retina

Question 20

Which of the following is a compensation mechanism activated during shock?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and adrenal medulla to increase heart rate and vasoconstriction

Cardiovascular System Disorders: Structure, Function, and Pathology

Study Guide - Practice Questions