A nurse is reviewing the anatomy and physiologic functioning of the heart. The nurse should recognize that which statement best describes the atrial kick?
The atria contract toward the end of diastole and push the remaining blood into the ventricles.
The atria contract during systole and attempt to push against closed valves.
Atrial kick is the pressure exerted against the atria as the ventricles contract during systole.
Contraction of the atria at the beginning of diastole can be felt as a palpitation.
The Correct Answer is A
A. The atria contract toward the end of diastole and push the remaining blood into the ventricles.
This choice is correct. During atrial systole (atrial contraction), the atria contract, pushing the remaining blood into the ventricles. This additional filling of the ventricles optimizes cardiac output.
B. The atria contract during systole and attempt to push against closed valves.
This statement is incorrect. The atria do not contract during systole; they contract during diastole (atrial systole) to fill the ventricles.
C. Atrial kick is the pressure exerted against the atria as the ventricles contract during systole.
This statement is incorrect. Atrial kick refers to the atrial contraction, not the pressure exerted against the atria.
D. Contraction of the atria at the beginning of diastole can be felt as a palpitation.
This statement is not entirely accurate. A palpitation is a sensation of rapid or strong heartbeat, which might be felt during various cardiac events, not specifically during atrial contraction at the beginning of diastole.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Age: While age itself is not modifiable, it is included in the list because aging increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, individuals cannot change their age, so it is not a modifiable risk factor.
B. Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It damages the heart and blood vessels and can lead to atherosclerosis (narrowing and hardening of the arteries), which can result in heart attacks and strokes.
C. Hypertension: High blood pressure is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. It can damage the arteries over time, making them more susceptible to atherosclerosis.
D. Diabetes: Diabetes, especially if poorly controlled, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and the heart.
E. High cholesterol: Elevated levels of cholesterol, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. AV node - SA node - bundle of His - bundle branches:
This sequence is incorrect. The SA node (sinoatrial node) initiates the electrical impulse in the heart, followed by the AV node (atrioventricular node), bundle of His, and then the bundle branches.
B. SA node - AV node - bundle of His - bundle branches:
This sequence is correct. The electrical stimulus of the cardiac cycle starts at the SA node, which is the natural pacemaker of the heart. From the SA node, the impulse travels to the AV node, then to the bundle of His, and finally to the bundle branches, which distribute the impulse to the ventricles, causing them to contract.
C. Bundle of His - AV node - SA node - Erb's Point:
This sequence is incorrect. Erb's Point is a point on the chest where heart sounds S2 and S3 can be heard most distinctly.
D. AV node - SA node - bundle of His - Erb's Point:
This sequence is incorrect. The AV node comes after the SA node in the electrical conduction system of the heart. Erb's Point is not a part of the normal cardiac conduction pathway; it is a location for auscultation on the chest.
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