6501- Advanced Pathophysiology | Questions and Answers with complete solution

1. Which statement made by a student indicates the healthcare professional needs to describe the pericardium again? a. The pericardium is a double-walled membranous sac that encloses the heart. b. It is made up of connective tissue and a surface layer of squamous cells. c. The pericardium protects the heart against infection and inflammation from the lungs and pleural space. d. It contains pain and mechanoreceptors that can elicit reflex changes in blood pressure and heart rate. - ANS: B The pericardium is made up of a surface layer of mesothelium over a thin layer of connective tissue. The healthcare professional would need to re-explain if the student stated the pericardium is made up of connective tissue and a layer of squamous cells. The other statements are accurate. 1. Which cardiac chambers have the thinnest wall and why? a. The right and left atria; they are low-pressure chambers that serve as storage units and conduits for blood. b. The right and left atria; they are not directly involved in the preload, contractility, or afterload of the heart. c. The left ventricle; the mean pressure of blood coming into this ventricle is from the lung, which has a low pressure. d. The right ventricle; it pumps blood into the pulmonary capillaries, which have a lower pressure compared with the systemic circulation. - ANS: A The two atria have the thinnest walls because they are low-pressure chambers that serve as storage units and conduits for blood that is emptied into the ventricles. The ventricles have thicker walls in order to pump blood against resistance. 1. Which chamber of the heart endures the highest pressures? a. Right atrium b. Left atrium c. Left ventricle d. Right ventricle - ANS: C