Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

What is a common heart condition found in tall, thin women that may present with a systolic murmur?

1. Atrial Fibrillation

2. Cardiac Amyloidosis

3. Mitral Valve Prolapse

4. Ventricular Septal Defect

The correct answer is: Mitral Valve Prolapse

Mitral Valve Prolapse is a common heart condition associated with tall, thin individuals, particularly women. This condition occurs when the valve between the heart's left atrium and left ventricle doesn't close properly, leading to a characteristic systolic murmur during heartbeat. In many cases, individuals with mitral valve prolapse may experience symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, or fatigue; however, it can also be asymptomatic. The association with taller, thinner women can be attributed to genetic factors that influence the development of connective tissue, which can affect the structure and function of the mitral valve. Often, the diagnosis is confirmed through echocardiography, which visualizes the movement of the mitral valve leaflets during the cardiac cycle. Other heart conditions listed, such as atrial fibrillation, cardiac amyloidosis, and ventricular septal defect do not specifically present with these characteristics. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that can occur in various contexts but is not specific to tall, thin women or tied to a systolic murmur. Cardiac amyloidosis involves the deposition of amyloid proteins in the heart and can cause restrictive cardiomyopathy, presenting in different patient populations with more generalized symptoms. Ventric