Chapter 18: Alterations in Cardiac Function

Chapter 18: Alterations in Cardiac Function

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. The most reliable indicator that a person is experiencing an acute myocardial infarction (MI) is

ANS:  B

Injuries to cardiac tissue caused by myocardial ischemia and infarction are indicated on the ECG by ST-segment changes. ST-segment elevation on the ECG indicates that ischemic injury is ongoing and that efforts to improve perfusion or reduce oxygen demand may be effective in preserving myocardial muscle. In some instances, an MI is entirely asymptomatic. Dysrhythmias that accompany MI are attributed to injured and ischemic cells that have not yet become necrotic. Pain radiating to the jaw and neck, not the lower legs, is symptomatic of an MI.

REF:   Pg. 388

2. Primary treatment for myocardial infarction (MI) is directed at

ANS:  B

Reducing oxygen demand may be effective in preserving myocardial muscle. Decreasing demand increases myocardial oxygen supply. Once the cardiac muscle has been damaged, it is more important to preserve remaining muscle and prevent further loss of the myocardium. Reduction in the heart rate and blood pressure is not the primary treatment goal in MI care. Parasympathetic activation is not the primary treatment for myocardial infarction.

REF:   Pg. 390

3. Rheumatic heart disease is most often a consequence of

ANS:  C

Rheumatic heart disease is an uncommon but serious consequence of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is an acute inflammatory disease that follows infection with group A b-hemolytic streptococci. Rheumatic heart disease is not associated with chronic IV drug abuse. Rheumatic fever is an acute inflammatory infectious disease. Cardiomyopathy does not cause rheumatic heart disease.

REF:   Pg. 395

4. Patients presenting with symptoms of unstable angina and no ST segment elevation are treated with

ANS:  B

Patients presenting with symptoms of unstable angina and no ST elevation on the ECG would be treated with antiplatelet drugs as a cornerstone of therapy. Coronary angiography may be used as an additional method of diagnosis but would not be the primary option. The patient with symptoms of unstable angina would not benefit from reperfusion strategies. Cardiac biomarkers may be assessed in the unstable angina patient, but are not the primary indicator.

REF:   Pg. 386