NUR 5461/NUR5461 Module 2 V3 |
Cardiovascular and Hematologic System
Q&A with Rationale | William Paterson
University
1. Which of the following is the primary mechanism of primary (essential) hypertension?
A. Renal artery stenosis
B. Increased peripheral resistance and blood volume
C. Adrenal tumor secreting aldosterone
D. Coarctation of the aorta
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Primary hypertension is idiopathic and accounts for the majority of
hypertension cases. It is generally attributed to a complex interaction of genetics and
environment that increases systemic vascular resistance. Chronic elevation in blood
volume also contributes significantly to the sustained high pressure observed in patients.
2. A patient presents with chest pain that occurs at rest and is increasing in severity. This is
most characteristic of:
A. Unstable angina
B. Prinzmetal angina
C. Stable angina
,D. Silent ischemia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Unstable angina is a form of acute coronary syndrome that indicates
a deteriorating plaque. Unlike stable angina, it is unpredictable and often occurs without
physical exertion or at rest. This condition requires immediate medical intervention
because it frequently precedes a myocardial infarction.
3. Which biomarker is most specific for diagnosing an acute myocardial infarction?
A. Troponin I
B. Myoglobin
C. Creatine kinase (CK-MB)
D. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Troponin I is highly sensitive and specific to cardiac muscle damage.
It begins to rise within hours of the injury and can remain elevated for several days. This
makes it the gold standard for diagnosing myocardial infarction in the clinical setting.
4. Left-sided heart failure primarily leads to which of the following physiological
consequences?
A. Systemic venous congestion
B. Hepatosplenomegaly
, C. Pulmonary edema
D. Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: When the left ventricle fails, it cannot effectively pump blood into the
systemic circulation. This causes blood to back up into the pulmonary veins and capillaries,
increasing hydrostatic pressure. The resulting fluid leakage into the alveoli leads to
pulmonary edema and respiratory distress.
5. Which of the following describes the pathophysiology of Right-Sided Heart Failure?
A. Fluid backup into the systemic venous system
B. Left ventricular hypertrophy
C. Decreased pulmonary artery pressure
D. Increased cardiac output
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Right-sided heart failure occurs when the right ventricle cannot
pump blood effectively into the pulmonary artery. This leads to an accumulation of blood in
the right atrium and the systemic venous circulation. Clinical signs often include jugular
venous distension, peripheral edema, and liver engorgement.
6. In the development of atherosclerosis, what is the significance of ‘foam cells’?
A. They are platelets that form a clot
Cardiovascular and Hematologic System
Q&A with Rationale | William Paterson
University
1. Which of the following is the primary mechanism of primary (essential) hypertension?
A. Renal artery stenosis
B. Increased peripheral resistance and blood volume
C. Adrenal tumor secreting aldosterone
D. Coarctation of the aorta
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Primary hypertension is idiopathic and accounts for the majority of
hypertension cases. It is generally attributed to a complex interaction of genetics and
environment that increases systemic vascular resistance. Chronic elevation in blood
volume also contributes significantly to the sustained high pressure observed in patients.
2. A patient presents with chest pain that occurs at rest and is increasing in severity. This is
most characteristic of:
A. Unstable angina
B. Prinzmetal angina
C. Stable angina
,D. Silent ischemia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Unstable angina is a form of acute coronary syndrome that indicates
a deteriorating plaque. Unlike stable angina, it is unpredictable and often occurs without
physical exertion or at rest. This condition requires immediate medical intervention
because it frequently precedes a myocardial infarction.
3. Which biomarker is most specific for diagnosing an acute myocardial infarction?
A. Troponin I
B. Myoglobin
C. Creatine kinase (CK-MB)
D. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Troponin I is highly sensitive and specific to cardiac muscle damage.
It begins to rise within hours of the injury and can remain elevated for several days. This
makes it the gold standard for diagnosing myocardial infarction in the clinical setting.
4. Left-sided heart failure primarily leads to which of the following physiological
consequences?
A. Systemic venous congestion
B. Hepatosplenomegaly
, C. Pulmonary edema
D. Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: When the left ventricle fails, it cannot effectively pump blood into the
systemic circulation. This causes blood to back up into the pulmonary veins and capillaries,
increasing hydrostatic pressure. The resulting fluid leakage into the alveoli leads to
pulmonary edema and respiratory distress.
5. Which of the following describes the pathophysiology of Right-Sided Heart Failure?
A. Fluid backup into the systemic venous system
B. Left ventricular hypertrophy
C. Decreased pulmonary artery pressure
D. Increased cardiac output
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Right-sided heart failure occurs when the right ventricle cannot
pump blood effectively into the pulmonary artery. This leads to an accumulation of blood in
the right atrium and the systemic venous circulation. Clinical signs often include jugular
venous distension, peripheral edema, and liver engorgement.
6. In the development of atherosclerosis, what is the significance of ‘foam cells’?
A. They are platelets that form a clot
