Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the pericardium?

Accepted Answer

It anchors the heart, protects it, and prevents overfilling.

Question 2

A patient presents with a heart murmur due to mitral valve regurgitation. Which heart sound is most likely to be abnormal and why?

Accepted Answer

The first heart sound (S1) due to incomplete closure of the mitral valve, causing backflow during ventricular systole.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 4

A patient has an end diastolic volume (EDV) of 120 mL and an end systolic volume (ESV) of 50 mL. What is their stroke volume (SV)?

Accepted Answer

$$SV = EDV - ESV = 120\,mL - 50\,mL = 70\,mL$$

Question 5

Which structure is responsible for the delay in electrical conduction between the atria and ventricles, and why is this delay important?

Accepted Answer

Atrioventricular (AV) node; it allows the ventricles time to fill with blood before contracting.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why the left ventricular wall is thicker than the right?

Accepted Answer

It must generate higher pressure to pump blood through the systemic circuit.

Question 7

A patient with persistent high blood pressure is at risk for which change in stroke volume (SV) and why?

Accepted Answer

Decreased SV due to increased afterload, which raises end systolic volume (ESV).

Question 8

Which of the following is the correct sequence of blood flow through the heart starting from the right atrium?

Accepted Answer

Right atrium → Tricuspid valve → Right ventricle → Pulmonary valve → Pulmonary trunk → Lungs → Pulmonary veins → Left atrium

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the Frank-Starling law of the heart?

Accepted Answer

The greater the stretch of cardiac muscle cells before contraction, the greater the force of contraction.

Question 10

A patient’s ECG shows a prolonged QT interval. What is the clinical significance of this finding?

Accepted Answer

It indicates a repolarization abnormality that increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias.

Question 11

Which of the following would most likely result from a defective SA node?

Accepted Answer

A junctional rhythm with a heart rate of 40–60 bpm.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why coronary circulation is essential for heart function?

Accepted Answer

It supplies oxygen and nutrients directly to the myocardium.

Question 13

A patient with aortic stenosis is likely to have which of the following changes in their phonocardiogram?

Accepted Answer

A crescendo-decrescendo systolic murmur between S1 and S2.

Question 14

Which of the following is a positive inotropic agent that increases contractility of the heart?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Question 15

Which congenital heart defect allows blood to flow directly from the right atrium to the left atrium, bypassing the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Patent foramen ovale

Question 16

Which layer of the heart wall is responsible for the contractile force of the heart?

Accepted Answer

Myocardium

Question 17

A patient with congestive heart failure (CHF) due to left-sided failure is most likely to develop which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary congestion and shortness of breath

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

It decreases heart rate by hyperpolarizing pacemaker cells.

Question 19

Which of the following would most likely be seen in a patient with hyperkalemia?

Accepted Answer

Altered electrical activity leading to heart block and possible cardiac arrest

The Cardiovascular System: The Heart – Structure, Function, and Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions