1. Multiple Choice: Which of the following conditions is characterized by a decrease in the force of the heart's contraction? a) Cardiomyopathy b) Myocardial infarction c) Pericarditis d) Angina pectoris Answer: a) Cardiomyopathy. Rationale: Cardiomyopathy affects the heart muscle's ability to contract and pump blood. 2. True/False: The presence of ketones in the urine is always indicative of diabetes mellitus. Answer: False. Rationale: While ketonuria is common in diabetes, it can also occur in other conditions such as starvation or a ketogenic diet. 3. Fill-in-the-Blank: __________ is the term used to describe an excess of bilirubin in the blood, leading to yellowing of the skin and eyes. Answer: Jaundice. Rationale: Jaundice occurs when bilirubin, a