Cardiac Vascular Nursing Exam Cardiac Vascular Nursing Exam Pathophysiology & Disease Processes

Question 1

Which pathophysiological mechanism is primarily responsible for ST-segment elevation in myocardial infarction (STEMI)?

Accepted Answer

Complete occlusion of a coronary artery causing transmural ischemia

Answer

Partial occlusion causing subendocardial ischemia

Answer

Coronary artery vasospasm without thrombosis

Answer

Increased myocardial oxygen demand only

Question 2

In heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), which neurohormonal compensatory mechanism initially maintains cardiac output but ultimately worsens outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)

Answer

Increased release of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)

Answer

Decreased sympathetic nervous system activity

Answer

Decreased antidiuretic hormone (ADH) release

Question 3

Aortic stenosis causes pressure overload on the left ventricle, leading to which adaptive structural change?

Accepted Answer

Concentric left ventricular hypertrophy

Answer

Eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy

Answer

Left ventricular dilation without hypertrophy

Answer

Right ventricular hypertrophy

Question 4

Which cellular mechanism underlies the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic plaque formation in coronary arteries?

Accepted Answer

Endothelial dysfunction allowing LDL infiltration and macrophage foam cell formation

Answer

Smooth muscle cell death leading to vessel wall weakening

Answer

Excessive collagen degradation by matrix metalloproteinases

Answer

Platelet aggregation without lipid involvement

Question 5

A patient with mitral regurgitation will develop which hemodynamic consequence over time?

Accepted Answer

Left atrial and left ventricular volume overload

Answer

Left ventricular pressure overload with normal atrial size

Answer

Right ventricular hypertrophy as the primary change

Answer

Decreased preload with normal ejection fraction

Question 6

Cardiac tamponade impairs cardiac function primarily by which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

External compression of the heart by pericardial fluid limiting ventricular filling

Answer

Direct myocardial toxicity from inflammatory mediators

Answer

Increased afterload due to systemic vasoconstriction

Answer

Reduced contractility from electrolyte imbalance