Cardiac Vascular Nursing Exam Pathophysiology & Disease Processes Flashcards

Which pathophysiological mechanism explains why atrial fibrillation increases stroke risk?

Answer: Loss of coordinated atrial contraction causes blood stasis in the left atrial appendage, promoting thrombus formation

During AF, the left atrial appendage loses effective emptying due to chaotic atrial activity, creating stasis and conditions for thrombus formation that can embolize to the brain.

In cardiogenic shock, which pathophysiological cascade leads to multiorgan failure?

Answer: Severely reduced cardiac output causes hypoperfusion, triggering inflammatory mediators and progressive organ dysfunction

Cardiogenic shock's primary low output state triggers sympathetic activation, systemic inflammation, and a downward spiral where ischemic organs release mediators that further depress cardiac function.

Aortic dissection type A is most dangerous due to which pathophysiological complication?

Answer: Dissection can extend proximally into the pericardium causing tamponade or disrupt coronary ostia causing MI

Type A dissection involves the ascending aorta and can track into the pericardial space causing tamponade, or propagate to occlude coronary ostia causing acute MI, both rapidly fatal.

Which mechanism explains the development of dependent edema in right heart failure?

Answer: Elevated central venous pressure impairs venous return from peripheral tissues, increasing hydrostatic pressure in capillaries

Right ventricular failure raises right atrial and systemic venous pressure, which increases capillary hydrostatic pressure in dependent areas, pushing fluid into interstitial tissue.

Which pathophysiological change makes a thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) a vulnerable plaque prone to rupture?

Answer: Thin fibrous cap over a large lipid-rich necrotic core with abundant macrophage infiltration

TCFA has a large, soft lipid core covered by a thin fibrous cap that is weakened by macrophage-secreted matrix metalloproteinases, making it prone to rupture and acute thrombosis.

Chronic hypoxia in obstructive sleep apnea contributes to cardiovascular disease through which primary mechanism?

Answer: Repetitive hypoxia activates the sympathetic nervous system and promotes endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, and atherosclerosis

Each apneic episode triggers sympathetic surges, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress that chronically elevate blood pressure, impair endothelial function, and accelerate atherosclerosis.