Acute Myocardial Infarction:
A Case of ST-Elevation MI
(STEMI)
Applied Pathophysiology Test Bank
Section 1: Cardiovascular System
Multiple-Choice Questions
1.Which of the following is the primary
compensatory mechanism in heart
failure? A) Increased myocardial
contractility
B) Activation of the renin-angiotensin-
aldosterone system (RAAS)
, C) Decreased sympathetic nervous system
activation
D) Vasodilation of systemic arteries
Answer: B) Activation of the renin-
angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
Explanation: In heart failure, the body
compensates for reduced cardiac output by
activating the RAAS, which leads to fluid
retention, vasoconstriction, and increased
blood volume. While this initially helps
maintain blood pressure, it eventually
worsens heart failure by increasing afterload
and myocardial workload.
2.What is the most common cause of
myocardial infarction (MI)?
A) Coronary artery spasm
B) Atherosclerotic plaque rupture with
thrombus formation
C) Embolism from a deep vein thrombosis
D) Autoimmune destruction of cardiac
tissue