Blood Chemistry Lab Tests

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of positioning a catheter into the coronary arteries during a diagnostic procedure?

To evaluate patient history

To visualize coronary arteries (correct)

To measure blood oxygen levels

To assess valve functionality

What does the procedure of ventriculography primarily assess?

Function of both ventricles and size of the left ventricle (correct)

Function of the right ventricle only

Health of the surrounding arteries

Electrical activity of the heart

Which condition can be diagnosed using the gold standard test for coronary artery disease?

Myocardial infarction history

Aortic regurgitation

Coronary artery disease (correct)

Congenital heart defects

How do radiopaque contrast agents function in cardiac procedures?

They provide a visual representation of the heart chambers and arteries Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the indications for using a catheter in coronary artery testing?

To assess coronary artery patency Signup and view all the answers

What serum potassium level indicates hyperkalemia?

Greater than 5.0 mEq/L Signup and view all the answers

Which lipid profile component has a normal range for males of 35-70 mg/dL?

HDL (Good Cholesterol) Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal calcium level in serum?

8.6-10.2 mg/dL Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with hypokalemia?

Venticular tachycardia Signup and view all the answers

What is a normal value for C-reactive protein (CRP)?

0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL Signup and view all the answers

For a 12-lead ECG, where should the right arm (RA) lead be positioned?

Between the right shoulder and right elbow Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a normal total cholesterol level?

Less than 200 mg/dL Signup and view all the answers

What does a chest X-ray evaluate regarding the heart?

Size and position Signup and view all the answers

What does the QRS complex represent in an ECG?

Ventricular depolarization (contraction) and atrial repolarization (relaxation) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the T wave in an ECG?

Indicates ventricular repolarization (relaxation) Signup and view all the answers

How is the duration of the QRS complex characterized?

Less than 0.12 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the U wave in an ECG?

Associated with hypokalemia and late repolarization of Purkinje fibers Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard paper speed for ECG recording?

25 mm/sec Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the electrical behavior captured in the ECG grid?

Each 1 mm horizontal box corresponds to 0.04 sec Signup and view all the answers

What does a negative voltage movement indicate on an ECG?

Downward movement of the stylus Signup and view all the answers

How many small horizontal boxes constitute a 0.2 sec interval on the ECG paper?

5 small boxes Signup and view all the answers

What does arrhythmia refer to?

An abnormal rhythm of the heartbeat Signup and view all the answers

Which interval is used to determine the ventricular rate and rhythm?

RR Interval Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal rate range for sinus rhythm?

60-100 bpm Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes dysrhythmia?

An irregular heartbeat within the normal range Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for initiating the electric stimuli in the heart?

SA Node Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of measuring the PP Interval?

To measure atrial rate and rhythm Signup and view all the answers

How is the time period of the RR Interval defined?

From one R in the QRS complex to the next R Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the heart rhythm classification is not indicated?

Rhythm with irregular rates beyond the normal range Signup and view all the answers

What is the heart rate characteristic of sinus tachycardia?

More than 100 bpm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is commonly associated with sinus bradycardia?

COPD Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a sawtooth-shaped P wave in ECG readings?

It is characteristic of sinus bradycardia. Signup and view all the answers

Which ratio describes the P:QRS ratio in sinus bradycardia with normal conduction?

1:1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical PR interval when the P wave is in front of the QRS complex?

0.12 seconds or less Signup and view all the answers

What happens in the ECG of a patient experiencing torsades de pointes due to hypomagnesemia?

Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is observed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended treatment for polymorphic VTach in patients with low magnesium levels?

Magnesium sulfate Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of the QRS complex is true in sinus bradycardia?

It can be absent. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cardiovascular Assessment and Diagnostic Tests

Palpation of pulses graded from +3 (full) to +4 (bounding, abnormal).
Lipid Panel assesses cholesterol levels:
- Normal Cholesterol: < 200 mg/dL
- Normal Triglycerides: 100-200 mg/dL
- Normal HDL: 35-70 mg/dL (Males), 35-85 mg/dL (Females)
- Normal LDL: < 160 mg/dL
- Requires fasting for 10-12 hours prior to testing.

Serum Electrolytes and Inflammation Markers

Serum Potassium plays a vital role in cardiac function:
- Normal Values: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
- Hyperkalemia can lead to heart block and dysrhythmias.
- Hypokalemia risks include ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation.
Serum Calcium essential for myocardial contractility:
- Normal Values: 8.6-10.2 mg/dL
- Hypercalcemia can cause increased myocardial activity, while hypocalcemia leads to impaired contractility.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) indicates systemic inflammation:
- Normal Values: 0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL
- Associated with atherosclerosis development.

Imaging and Electrical Activity Assessment

Chest X-Ray evaluates heart size and position, and confirms pacemaker placements.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) records heart's electrical activity:
- Atrial depolarization indicated by P wave.
- QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization, duration < 0.12 seconds.
- T wave reflects ventricular repolarization, indicating recovery.
- Each millimeter on the ECG paper correlates to 0.04 seconds.

Cardiac Catheterization and Angiography

Catheters visualize coronary arteries using radiopaque contrast.
Essential for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD), pulmonary hypertension, and valvular heart disease.
Ventriculography assesses left ventricle size and function through contrast agent injection.

Rhythm and Interval Measurements

PP Interval measures atrial rate and rhythm.
RR Interval measures ventricular rate; both intervals help identify arrhythmias.
Sinus Rhythm is characterized by a heart rate of 60-100 bpm and regular rhythm.

Types of Dysrhythmias

Sinus Bradycardia: Slow heart rate, irregular rhythm.
Sinus Tachycardia: Heart rate > 150 bpm, can exceed 200 bpm in severe cases.
Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (VTach): Associated with hypomagnesemia; Torsades de pointes is a subtype.
ECG changes in dysrhythmias include alterations in P wave, QRS complex, and T wave characteristics.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the lipid panel and blood chemistry tests, which are essential for assessing lipid levels such as cholesterol and triglycerides. You'll learn about normal values and what abnormalities indicate, helping you gain a better understanding of cardiovascular health assessments.