Assessment MCQ Flashcards

A bright view (less tissue or bone in the way) Invasive: not usually done

Answer: Transesophageal Echo (TEE)

Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) involves inserting an ultrasound probe into the esophagus, which lies directly behind the heart. This proximity provides a much clearer and 'brighter' view of the heart structures compared to a transthoracic echo, as it bypasses the ribs, lungs, and chest wall. While offering superior imaging, it is considered invasive due to the need for sedation and probe insertion.

Graded exercise test; detects heart rate, rhythm, schematic changes, blood pressure, skin temperature and color, and symptoms when heart rate is at goal based on age and gender.

Answer: Stress test (GXT)

A Stress Test, also known as a Graded Exercise Test (GXT), involves a patient exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike while physiological parameters are monitored. This includes heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure, and ECG changes to detect ischemia, especially when the heart rate reaches a target based on age and gender. The test assesses the heart's response to increased demand and identifies abnormalities not present at rest.

Angiogram; injection of radiopaque dye into vessels to evaluate the aorta, coronary arteries, and R and L heart flow.

Answer: Heart catheterization

Heart catheterization is an invasive procedure where a catheter is guided into the heart through a blood vessel. During this procedure, an angiogram can be performed by injecting radiopaque dye, allowing visualization of the aorta, coronary arteries, and heart chambers. This technique evaluates blockages, heart pressures, and overall heart function, precisely matching the description.

Murmurs, stenosis, and regurgitation (insufficiency).

Answer: Valve disease includes

Murmurs, stenosis, and regurgitation are all characteristic manifestations of heart valve disease. Stenosis refers to the narrowing of a valve, impeding blood flow, while regurgitation (or insufficiency) describes the backflow of blood due to an improperly closing valve. Both conditions often produce abnormal heart sounds known as murmurs, making them key components of valve pathology.

Elastic heart muscle return to the heart volume.

Answer: Preload

Preload refers to the volume of blood stretching the ventricular muscle fibers at the end of diastole, just before contraction. It represents the 'initial stretching' of the cardiac muscle cells, which is directly related to the amount of blood returning to the heart. This stretching determines the force of the subsequent contraction, aligning with the concept of elastic heart muscle and heart volume.

Some blood returns to the heart because the valve does not completely seal.

Answer: Regurgitation

Regurgitation, also known as valvular insufficiency, occurs when a heart valve fails to close completely. This incomplete closure allows blood to flow backward into the preceding heart chamber when the valve should be sealed. This backflow reduces the efficiency of blood circulation and is a hallmark of a leaky valve.

Rheumatic fever is to blame; consequently, strep throat causes an inflammatory condition to develop. An infection is the most frequent cause of stenosis and regurgitation because it inflames the heart valves.

Answer: Rheumatic heart disease

Rheumatic heart disease is a serious complication of rheumatic fever, which is caused by an untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal infection (strep throat). The inflammatory response triggered by the infection can damage the heart valves, leading to conditions like stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage). This description perfectly outlines the etiology and consequences of rheumatic heart disease.