COC Anatomy and Pathophysiology for Coding

Question 1

Which structure of the heart is responsible for initiating the electrical impulse that triggers each heartbeat?

Accepted Answer

Sinoatrial (SA) node

Answer

The sinoatrial (SA) node, located in the right atrium, is the heart's natural pacemaker, generating the electrical impulse that initiates each cardiac cycle.

Question 2

Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of which substance within arterial walls?

Accepted Answer

Plaque (lipids, calcium, and fibrous tissue)

Answer

Atherosclerosis is characterized by the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques — composed of lipids, calcium, and fibrous tissue — within arterial walls, narrowing the vessel lumen.

Question 3

The nephron is the functional unit of which organ?

Accepted Answer

Kidney

Answer

The nephron is the microscopic functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering blood and producing urine.

Question 4

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is primarily characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency

Answer

Type 2 DM involves peripheral insulin resistance and relative (not absolute) insulin deficiency, distinguishing it from the autoimmune beta-cell destruction of Type 1.

Question 5

Which lung lobe is the most common site for aspiration pneumonia in a supine patient?

Accepted Answer

Right lower lobe (posterior segment)

Answer

The posterior segment of the right lower lobe is the most dependent region in a supine patient and therefore the most common aspiration site due to gravity.

COC - Certified Outpatient Coder Practice Test

COC - Certified Outpatient Coder Practice Test

COC Anatomy and Pathophysiology for Coding