Question 1

Which layer of the heart wall is primarily responsible for the heart's contractile function?

Accepted Answer

Myocardium

Question 2

A patient presents with fluid accumulation in the pericardial cavity, leading to decreased ventricular filling. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the function of the semilunar valves?

Accepted Answer

Prevent blood from flowing back into the ventricles after ventricular ejection

Question 4

Which equation correctly calculates stroke volume (SV)?

Accepted Answer

$$SV = EDV - ESV$$

Question 5

A patient with mitral valve insufficiency is most likely to experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Blood leaking backward into the left atrium during ventricular contraction

Question 6

Which of the following is a consequence of the plateau phase in the cardiac contractile cell action potential?

Accepted Answer

Allows more time for ventricular filling

Question 7

Which structure is the normal pacemaker of the heart?

Accepted Answer

SA node

Question 8

A patient with ventricular hypertrophy is likely to have which of the following changes in heart anatomy?

Accepted Answer

Decreased lumen size

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the effect of positive chronotropic agents?

Accepted Answer

Increase the rate at which the SA node fires

Question 10

Which equation correctly calculates cardiac output (CO)?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

High cholesterol

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of pacemaker cells in the heart?

Accepted Answer

Generate spontaneous action potentials

Question 13

Which of the following would most likely result from a blockage in the left coronary artery?

Accepted Answer

Decreased blood flow to the left ventricle

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

$$EF = \frac{SV}{EDV}$$

Question 15

Which of the following is a typical symptom of myocardial infarction?

Accepted Answer

Sudden severe chest pain

Question 16

Which of the following would increase preload in the heart?

Accepted Answer

Increased blood volume

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the effect of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on cardiac function?

Accepted Answer

Decreases blood volume and preload

Question 18

A patient with left-sided heart failure is most likely to develop which type of edema?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary edema

Question 19

Which of the following is a primary treatment goal for heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Decrease afterload

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the effect of the sympathetic nervous system on heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Increases heart rate

The Cardiovascular System: The Heart – Structure, Function, and Clinical Correlates

Study Guide - Practice Questions