LEIK Cardiovascular System Review
Exam Questions and Answers Graded A+
Acute Myocardial Infarction (MI) - Correct answer-Middle-aged or older male
complains of midsternal chest pain that feels like heavy pressure on the chest. The
pain is associated with numbness and/or tingling in the left
jaw and the left arm. The patient is diaphoretic with cool, clammy skin. Women
with MIs are more likely to present with nonspecific symptoms such as dyspnea,
fatigue, back pain, and nausea.
Dissecting Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) - Correct answer-Elderly white
male complains of pulsating-type sensation in abdomen and/or low back pain. With
impending rupture, sudden onset of severe chest and low back pain that
steadily becomes sharp and excruciating. Patients with hypertension (HTN) and
smokers
are at higher risk.
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,Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) - Correct answer-Elderly patient complains of an
acute (or gradual) onset of dyspnea, fatigue, dry cough, and swollen feet and
ankles. The patient has a sudden (or gradual) increase in weight.
Lung exam will reveal crackles on both the lung bases (bibasilar crackles) along
with an S3 heart sound. History of preexisting coronary artery disease (CAD),
prior MI, or
previous episode of CHF is possible. Usually is taking diuretics, digoxin
(Lanoxin), and antihypertensive medications.
Bacterial Endocarditis - Correct answer-Patient presents with fever, chills, and
malaise that is associated with a new murmur and the abrupt onset of CHF.
Associated skin fi ndings are found mostly on the fingers/
hands and toes/feet. These are subungual hemorrhages (splinter hemorrhages on
the nailbed), petechiae on the palate, painful violet-colored nodes on the fingers or
feet
(Osler nodes), and tender red spots on the palms/soles (Janeway lesions).
Anatomy - Correct answer-Position of the Heart
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,Most of the left ventricular mass is located behind the right ventricle. The right
ventricle sits anteriorly toward the chest. It is the chamber of the heart that lies
closest to the sternum.
A large part of the atria is located posteriorly facing the back. The lower border of
the left ventricle is where the apical impulse is generated.
■ Apical impulse: Located at the 5th intercostal space (ICS) by the midclavicular
line on the left side of the chest.
Displacement of the Point of Maximal Impulse (PMI) - Correct answer-■ Severe
left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and cardiomyopathy: The PMI is displaced
laterally on the chest, is larger (more than 3 cm) in size, and is more prominent.
■ Pregnancy, third trimester: As the uterus grows larger, it pushes up against the
diaphragm and causes the heart to shift to the left of the chest anteriorly. The result
is a displaced PMI that is located slightly upward on the left side of the chest.
Deoxygenated Blood - Correct answer-■ Enters the heart through the superior vena
cava and inferior vena cava.
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, ■ Right atrium → tricuspid valve → right ventricle → pulmonic valve →
pulmonary artery → the lungs → alveoli (red blood cells [RBCs]) pick up oxygen
and release carbon dioxide.
Oxygenated Blood - Correct answer-■ Exits the lungs through the pulmonary veins
and enters the heart.
■ Left atrium → mitral valve → left ventricle → aortic valve → aorta → general
circulation.
Systole and Diastole - Correct answer-Systole Diastole
MOTIVATED APPLES
M (mitral valve)
T (tricuspid valve)
AV (atrioventricular valves)
A (aortic valve)
P (pulmonic valve)
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Exam Questions and Answers Graded A+
Acute Myocardial Infarction (MI) - Correct answer-Middle-aged or older male
complains of midsternal chest pain that feels like heavy pressure on the chest. The
pain is associated with numbness and/or tingling in the left
jaw and the left arm. The patient is diaphoretic with cool, clammy skin. Women
with MIs are more likely to present with nonspecific symptoms such as dyspnea,
fatigue, back pain, and nausea.
Dissecting Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) - Correct answer-Elderly white
male complains of pulsating-type sensation in abdomen and/or low back pain. With
impending rupture, sudden onset of severe chest and low back pain that
steadily becomes sharp and excruciating. Patients with hypertension (HTN) and
smokers
are at higher risk.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) - Correct answer-Elderly patient complains of an
acute (or gradual) onset of dyspnea, fatigue, dry cough, and swollen feet and
ankles. The patient has a sudden (or gradual) increase in weight.
Lung exam will reveal crackles on both the lung bases (bibasilar crackles) along
with an S3 heart sound. History of preexisting coronary artery disease (CAD),
prior MI, or
previous episode of CHF is possible. Usually is taking diuretics, digoxin
(Lanoxin), and antihypertensive medications.
Bacterial Endocarditis - Correct answer-Patient presents with fever, chills, and
malaise that is associated with a new murmur and the abrupt onset of CHF.
Associated skin fi ndings are found mostly on the fingers/
hands and toes/feet. These are subungual hemorrhages (splinter hemorrhages on
the nailbed), petechiae on the palate, painful violet-colored nodes on the fingers or
feet
(Osler nodes), and tender red spots on the palms/soles (Janeway lesions).
Anatomy - Correct answer-Position of the Heart
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,Most of the left ventricular mass is located behind the right ventricle. The right
ventricle sits anteriorly toward the chest. It is the chamber of the heart that lies
closest to the sternum.
A large part of the atria is located posteriorly facing the back. The lower border of
the left ventricle is where the apical impulse is generated.
■ Apical impulse: Located at the 5th intercostal space (ICS) by the midclavicular
line on the left side of the chest.
Displacement of the Point of Maximal Impulse (PMI) - Correct answer-■ Severe
left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and cardiomyopathy: The PMI is displaced
laterally on the chest, is larger (more than 3 cm) in size, and is more prominent.
■ Pregnancy, third trimester: As the uterus grows larger, it pushes up against the
diaphragm and causes the heart to shift to the left of the chest anteriorly. The result
is a displaced PMI that is located slightly upward on the left side of the chest.
Deoxygenated Blood - Correct answer-■ Enters the heart through the superior vena
cava and inferior vena cava.
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, ■ Right atrium → tricuspid valve → right ventricle → pulmonic valve →
pulmonary artery → the lungs → alveoli (red blood cells [RBCs]) pick up oxygen
and release carbon dioxide.
Oxygenated Blood - Correct answer-■ Exits the lungs through the pulmonary veins
and enters the heart.
■ Left atrium → mitral valve → left ventricle → aortic valve → aorta → general
circulation.
Systole and Diastole - Correct answer-Systole Diastole
MOTIVATED APPLES
M (mitral valve)
T (tricuspid valve)
AV (atrioventricular valves)
A (aortic valve)
P (pulmonic valve)
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