Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of chordae tendineae and papillary muscles in cardiac valve function?

Accepted Answer

They prevent the atrioventricular valves from inverting into the atria during ventricular contraction.

Question 2

A patient presents with pulmonary edema, dyspnea, and orthopnea. Which cardiac condition is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Left-sided heart failure

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents cardiac output ($CO$) and its components?

Accepted Answer

$CO = HR 	imes SV$

Question 4

A patient with heart failure has an ejection fraction ($EF$) of 35%. Which type of heart failure does this most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Systolic heart failure (HFrEF)

Question 5

Which of the following mechanisms is primarily responsible for the development of cardiac tamponade?

Accepted Answer

Rapid accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space compressing the heart and impairing ventricular filling

Question 6

Which compensatory mechanism is activated in heart failure to increase sodium and water retention?

Accepted Answer

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)

Question 7

A patient with mitral regurgitation is most likely to develop which of the following changes in the left ventricle?

Accepted Answer

Dilation due to increased volume overload

Question 8

Which of the following is the correct formula for ejection fraction ($EF$)?

Accepted Answer

$EF = \dfrac{SV}{LVEDV}$

Question 9

Which clinical finding is most specific for acute pericarditis?

Accepted Answer

Sharp, pleuritic chest pain relieved by sitting forward

Question 10

Which of the following best explains the Frank-Starling mechanism in the context of heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Increased preload stretches ventricular muscle fibers, enhancing contractility up to a point, but excessive stretch leads to pulmonary congestion and decreased efficiency.

Question 11

A patient with aortic stenosis is most likely to develop which type of ventricular remodeling?

Accepted Answer

Concentric hypertrophy due to increased pressure overload

Question 12

Which of the following BNP concentrations is most consistent with a diagnosis of heart failure?

Accepted Answer

>500 pg/mL

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary hypertension

Question 14

Which of the following is the most common cause of acute pericarditis?

Accepted Answer

Viral infection (e.g., coxsackievirus)

Question 15

A patient with heart failure is treated with a loop diuretic. What is the primary effect of this medication on cardiac function?

Accepted Answer

Decreases preload by promoting sodium and water elimination

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the pathophysiology of mitral stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Impaired left ventricular filling due to narrowed mitral valve orifice, leading to left atrial enlargement and pulmonary congestion

Question 17

Which of the following changes would most likely increase cardiac output ($CO$) according to the formula $CO = HR 	imes SV$?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and increased stroke volume

Question 18

Which of the following is a cardinal sign of cardiac tamponade?

Accepted Answer

Pulsus paradoxus (decreased pulse pressure during inspiration)

Question 19

Which of the following is a direct effect of activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and contractility via beta-1 receptor stimulation

Question 20

A patient with chronic aortic regurgitation is most likely to develop which of the following compensatory changes?

Accepted Answer

Left ventricular dilation due to volume overload

Disorders of Cardiac Function: Anatomy & Physiology Study Guide

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