Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

Which of the following best explains the mechanism of stable angina?

1. Vasodilation of coronary arteries

2. Dependent on the workload of the heart

3. Coronary artery blockages increasing with physical activity

4. Ischemic regions of the myocardium

The correct answer is: Coronary artery blockages increasing with physical activity

Stable angina is primarily characterized by chest pain or discomfort that occurs in response to predictable levels of physical exertion, emotional stress, or other identifiable triggers. The mechanism behind stable angina involves the presence of coronary artery blockages that limit blood flow to the heart muscle. When physical activity increases, the heart requires more oxygen to meet the heightened demand; however, these blocked arteries cannot supply enough blood. As a result, the ischemic condition leads to the characteristic pain or discomfort associated with stable angina. In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the mechanism of stable angina. Vasodilation of coronary arteries may relieve symptoms of angina temporarily but does not explain the underlying condition. Workload dependency is relevant, but it only indicates the symptoms trigger rather than the root cause. Ischemic regions of the myocardium do result from coronary artery blockages, but they are not the best explanation for how the patient's symptoms arise based on physical activity. Thus, the correct answer highlights the direct relationship between increasing physical demands and the limitations imposed by coronary artery blockages.