Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by right-sided heart failure due to lung disease, leading to neck vein distention?

1. Cor pulmonale

2. Heart failure

3. Diaphoresis

4. Anemia

The correct answer is: Cor pulmonale

Cor pulmonale is a condition specifically defined as right-sided heart failure that is a consequence of lung disease. In this condition, chronic respiratory disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary hypertension, lead to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries. As the heart works harder to pump blood through the narrowed or blocked arteries, the right ventricle becomes strained and ultimately fails. One of the hallmark signs of cor pulmonale is neck vein distention, which occurs as a result of increased pressure in the right atrium and subsequently, in the systemic venous circulation. When the right heart is unable to effectively manage the blood volume returning to it, the veins in the neck can become distended, providing a visible indication of the cardiovascular strain. While heart failure can lead to various complications and symptoms, it is not solely attributable to lung disease, but rather can arise from a variety of factors, including systemic conditions affecting the heart's ability to pump effectively. Diaphoresis refers to excessive sweating and is not directly related to the failure of the right side of the heart. Anemia, a condition marked by a deficiency of red cells or hemoglobin in the blood, also does not have the same pathophysiological basis as cor