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Question 1
Correct
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A 55 yr. old man presented with retrosternal chest pain associated with excessive sweating and vomiting. On examination his BP was 100/60 mmHg and pulse rate was 72 bpm. Bibasal crepitations were auscultated. His ECG showed ST elevation in V1 to V4 and ST depression in leads II, III and aVF. Which of the following would be the finding during angioplasty?
Your Answer: Complete occlusion of the left anterior descending artery
Explanation:The ECG findings are suggestive of anterior myocardial infarction and the most likely artery affected is the left anterior descending artery. Occlusion of the right coronary artery will be shown by ST elevation in lead II, III, aVF and occlusion of the circumflex artery will show changes in leads I, aVL, V5 and V6. To have ST elevation, there should be complete occlusion of the artery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 2
Correct
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Which of the following statements describe the mechanism of fibrates most accurately?
Your Answer: Increased lipoprotein lipase activity via PPAR-alpha
Explanation:The main mechanism of fibrate drugs is activation of gene transcription factors known as PPARs, particularly PPAR-α, which regulate the expression of genes that control lipoprotein metabolism. There are several consequences of PPAR-α activation, which reduce circulating LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 3
Correct
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A 9 year-old boy with central cyanosis underwent cardiac catheterization. His study results were given below:
- Right atrium 7 mmHg - Saturation 60 %
- Right ventricle 110/6 mmHg - Saturation 55 %
- Pulmonary artery 20/5 mmHg - Saturation 55 %
- Left atrium (mean) 9 mmHg - Saturation 98 %
- Left ventricle 110/80 mmHg - Saturation 87 %
- Aorta 110/80 mmHg - Saturation 76 %
Your Answer: Tetralogy of Fallot
Explanation:Based on the provided cardiac catheterization results, the following abnormalities are present in this patient:
- Central Cyanosis: The presence of central cyanosis indicates decreased oxygenation of the blood. This is likely due to an intracardiac shunt, causing unoxygenated blood to mix with oxygenated blood.
- Right-to-Left Shunt: The saturation readings in the right atrium (60%), right ventricle (55%), and pulmonary artery (55%) are all lower than the expected systemic saturation of 98%. This suggests a right-to-left shunt, allowing deoxygenated blood from the right side of the heart to enter the systemic circulation without passing through the lungs.
- Pulmonary Hypertension: The pulmonary artery pressure of 20/5 mmHg is elevated compared to normal values, indicating pulmonary hypertension. This could be secondary to increased pulmonary blood flow or resistance, often seen in the presence of a right-to-left shunt.
- Left-to-Right Shunt: Although not explicitly stated in the results, the elevated left atrial pressure (9 mmHg) suggests increased left-sided filling pressures. This could be due to increased blood flow from a left-to-right shunt, which commonly occurs in congenital heart defects.
- Normal Left Ventricular Pressure: The left ventricular pressure (110/80 mmHg) falls within normal limits, indicating that the left ventricle is not significantly affected by the shunting.
Based on these findings, a likely diagnosis would be a congenital heart defect causing a right-to-left shunt, such as Tetralogy of Fallot or Eisenmenger syndrome, resulting in central cyanosis and pulmonary hypertension.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 4
Incorrect
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A 70 yr. old man underwent temporary transvenous pacing. While in the coronary care unit he developed pre-syncope. His pulse rate was 30 bpm. His ECG showed pacing spikes which were not related to QRS complexes. What is the most appropriate action that can be taken?
Your Answer: Arrange for an urgent permanent pacemaker
Correct Answer: Increase the pacing voltage to a maximum
Explanation:Pacemaker spikes on the ECG indicate that pacemaker is functioning. The most probable cause for this presentation is the change of the position of the tip of the pacing wire. Increasing the voltage will solve the problem. If it works, repositioning of the pacing wire should be done.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 5
Correct
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A 70 yr. old male patient presented with chronic congestive heart failure. Which of the following is the most important factor to consider when prescribing drugs for this patient?
Your Answer: Administration of a B-blocker reduces the time spent in hospital
Explanation:It is proven that spironolactone has survival benefits and loop diuretics only give symptomatic relief. Beta blockers are however, known to improve exercise tolerance, left ventricular function and reduce symptoms. They also reduce the mortality associated with heart failure. So administration of beta blockers will reduce the time spent in hospital by improving symptoms.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 6
Correct
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A 65 yr. old male patient admitted with myocardial infarction received thrombolysis, which lead to full resolution of the ST elevations on his ECG. He was on aspirin, clopidogrel, atorvastatin and enalapril. The next day he complained of pain in his legs and there was a diffuse petechial rash over his lower legs, especially in the feet. All his peripheral pulses were palpable. His FBC revealed neutrophilia with eosinophilia. His IgE antibodies were 3 kU/L (<2). What is the most likely reason for this presentation?
Your Answer: Cholesterol emboli
Explanation:He has a consequence of atherosclerotic disease (MI). The most probable diagnosis is cutaneous cholesterol emboli as it is more common after anticoagulation or thrombolytics, the skin involvement, eosinophilia and raised IgE. It is more common above 60 yrs. of age.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 7
Correct
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A 70 yr. old male patient presented with increased difficulty in breathing during the last 4 months. He was diagnosed with mitral stenosis. On examination his BP was 120/80 mmHg and pulse rate was 68 bpm. There were bibasal crepitations on auscultation. He was on bisoprolol, frusemide and ISDN. From the given answers, what is the most likely indication of worsening of his mitral stenosis?
Your Answer: Haemoptysis
Explanation:Haemoptysis is a symptom which indicates the worsening of mitral stenosis. It occurs due to the rupture of pulmonary veins or the capillary system due to pulmonary venous hypertension. Elevated serum creatinine is seen in worsening aortic stenosis. Worsening of tricuspid regurgitation causes ascites and a pulsatile liver.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 8
Incorrect
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Which of the following is not associated with atrial myxoma?
Your Answer: Atrial fibrillation
Correct Answer: J wave on ECG
Explanation:J waves in an ECG is associated with hypothermia, hypercalcemia, the Brugada syndrome, and idiopathic ventricular fibrillation. The other responses are all associated with atrial myxoma
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 9
Incorrect
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A 35 yr. old female with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was brought to Casualty, complaining of chest pain and worsening difficulty in breathing for the past 36 hrs. On examination she was tachypnoeic, her BP was 85/65 mmHg and peripheral oxygen saturation was 98% on air. Her cardiac examination was normal but her jugular venous pressure was elevated. She didn't have ankle oedema. Her ECG showed sinus tachycardia and her CXR showed clear lung fields with a slightly enlarged heart. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
Your Answer: Full dose low molecular weight heparin
Correct Answer: Urgent transthoracic echocardiogram
Explanation:Acute breathlessness in SLE can be due to a pericardial effusion or a pulmonary embolism. Normal peripheral oxygen saturation and normal ECG, make the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism less likely. To exclude pericardial effusion, an urgent transthoracic echocardiogram is needed.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 10
Correct
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A 55 yr. old male with a history of myocardial infarction 4 years ago, was admitted with a history of fever for the past 2 weeks. On investigation, his echocardiography revealed a small vegetation around the mitral valve. His blood culture was positive for Streptococcus viridans. Which of the following is the most appropriate antibiotic therapy?
Your Answer: IV benzylpenicillin
Explanation:According to the American Heart Association (AHA) penicillin-susceptible S viridans, S bovis, and other streptococci (MIC of penicillin of ≤0.1 mcg/mL) should be treated with penicillin G or ceftriaxone or penicillin G + a gentamicin combination or vancomycin (if allergy to penicillin).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 11
Incorrect
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A 18 yr. old male was screened for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM) as his brother had the same condition. What is the echocardiographic finding that is related to the highest risk of sudden cardiac death?
Your Answer: Systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve
Correct Answer: Significant thickening of the interventricular septum
Explanation:There are five prognostic factors which indicate poor prognosis in HOCM:
-family history of HOCM-related sudden cardiac death
-unexplained recent syncope
-large left ventricular wall thickness (MLVWT ≥ 30 mm)
-multiple bursts of nsVT on ambulatory electrocardiography
-hypotensive or attenuated blood pressure response to exercise -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 12
Correct
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A 13 yr. old boy presented with difficulty in breathing on exertion. According to his mother who was also present, his exercise tolerance has been gradually worsening for the past weeks. It has reached the point where he is unable to participate in his weekly soccer match. Cardiac catherization was performed and the results are given below: (Anatomical site vs Oxygen saturation (%)vs Pressure (mmHg)) Superior vena cava: 73 ,–. Right atrium: 71, 6. Right ventricle: 72, –. Pulmonary artery: 86, 53/13. PCWP: –, 15. Left ventricle: 97, 111/10. Aorta: 96, 128/61. Which of the following is the diagnosis?
Your Answer: Patent ductus arteriosus
Explanation:The oxygen saturation in the pulmonary artery is higher than that of the right ventricle. The pressure of the pulmonary artery and of the PCWP are also high. So patent ductus arteriosus is highly suggestive.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 13
Correct
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A 25 yr. old previously well female, in her 10th week of pregnancy presented with a left sided painful calf swelling. An ultrasound scan revealed deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of her left leg. Which of the following is the most appropriate management of this patient?
Your Answer: Initiate and then continue treatment with heparin until delivery
Explanation:Warfarin is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its teratogenic effects. She should be given heparin throughout her pregnancy. It can be converted to warfarin if necessary after the delivery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 14
Incorrect
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A 42 yr. old man presented with palpitations and shortness of breath on exertion. On examination his lungs were clear and heart sounds were normal. There was a left sided parasternal heave. His electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed atrial fibrillation with right axis deviation. Echocardiography showed dilated right heart chambers. Left and right heart catheterisation study revealed the following: Inferior vena cava Oxygen saturations 63 %, Superior vena cava Oxygen saturations 59 %, Right atrium Oxygen saturations 77 %, Right ventricle Oxygen saturations 78 %, Pulmonary artery Oxygen saturations 82 %, Arterial saturation Oxygen saturations 98 %. What is the most likely diagnosis from the following answers?
Your Answer: Ebstein’s anomaly
Correct Answer: Atrial septal defect
Explanation:Right ventricular volume overload is indicated by a parasternal heave and right axis deviation. Oxygen saturation in right atrium is higher than oxygen saturation of the inferior and superior vena cavae. So the most probable diagnosis is atrial septal defect.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 15
Incorrect
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A 60 yr. old male patient with NSTEMI was started on low dose aspirin as secondary prevention. Which of the following, describe the action of aspirin as an antiplatelet agent?
Your Answer: Inhibits ADP binding to its platelet receptor
Correct Answer: Inhibits the production of thromboxane A2
Explanation:The antithrombotic action of aspirin is due to inhibition of platelet function by acetylation of the platelet cyclooxygenase (COX) at the functionally important amino acid serine529. This prevents the access of the substrate (arachidonic aid) to the catalytic site of the enzyme at tyrosine385 and results in an irreversible inhibition of platelet-dependent thromboxane formation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 16
Correct
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A 28 yr. old primigravida in her 24th week of pregnancy presented with a history of palpitations, which are fast and regular. She doesn't complain of any episodes of collapse. On examination she was well, pulse rate was 102 bpm, which was regular and her blood pressure was 110/70 mmHg. Her JVP was not elevated. Heart sounds were normal. ECH showed sinus tachycardia. Which of the following can be expected because of the physiological changes which occur in the boy during pregnancy?
Your Answer: Tachycardia
Explanation:The cardiovascular alterations which occur during pregnancy are for the optimal growth and development of the foetus and help to protect the mother from the risks of delivery, such as haemorrhage. The changes are characterized by an increased vascular volume, cardiac output, and heart rate, with a marked fall in vascular resistance and reduction in blood pressure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 17
Correct
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Which one of the following responses is the least likely to be associated with primary pulmonary hypertension?
Your Answer: Recurrent pulmonary embolism
Explanation:Connective-tissue diseases, liver cirrhosis, exposure to anorexigens and likely other alpha-adrenergic stimulants [e.g., cocaine, amphetamines] and HIV infection are associated with primary pulmonary hypertension. Recurrent pulmonary emboli, chronic lung diseases, left heart diseases are causes for secondary pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary vascular hypertension after use of fenfluramine is rarely reported.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 18
Incorrect
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A 80 yr. old male was found on the floor. His blood pressure was 100/60 mmHg. His core temperature was 31ºC. His FBC and serum electrolytes were within normal limits. Which of the following would be found in his ECG?
Your Answer: U waves
Correct Answer: Long QT interval
Explanation:Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature of < 35 °C.
Hypothermia may produce the following ECG changes:
-Bradyarrhythmia
-Osborne Waves (= J waves)
-Prolonged PR, QRS and QT intervals
-Shivering artefact
-Ventricular ectopics
-Cardiac arrest due to VT, VF or asystole -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 19
Correct
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A 72 yr. old male presented to the Emergency Department with a broad complex tachycardia. Which of the following features is more suggestive that this has resulted because of a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) rather than a ventricular tachycardia (VT)?
Your Answer: Absence of QRS concordance in chest leads on ECG
Explanation:To differentiate ventricular tachycardia (VT) from supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with aberrant conduction the following electrocardiographic features should be looked for:
Evidence of preceding atrial activity for SVT. Oesophageal leads are helpful if P waves are hidden in the QRS complex.
QRS duration more than 140 ms for VT.
QRS morphology: Features of QRS morphology that favour SVT are RBBB or triphasic patterns like rSR in V1 and qRS in V6. Monophasic pattern like R or qR in V1 and rS or QS in V6 or multiple morphology QRS complexes favour VT.
AV dissociation for VT. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 20
Correct
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A 40 yr. old female presented with palmar xanthomas and tuberoeruptive xanthomas on her elbows and knees. Which of the following is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: Type III hyperlipoproteinaemia
Explanation:Palmar xanthomas and tuberoeruptive xanthomas are found in type III hyperlipoproteinemia (dysbetalipoproteinemia,broad-beta disease, remnant removal disease)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 21
Correct
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A 42 yr. old male patient who was on enalapril for hypertension presented with generalized body weakness. Investigations revealed hyperkalaemia. Which of the following can be expected in his ECG?
Your Answer: Tall, tented T waves
Explanation:In hyperkalaemia the ECG will show tall, tented T waves as well as small P waves and widened QRS complexes.Â
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 22
Correct
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A 80 yr. old male patient with ischaemic heart disease, hypertension and dyslipidaemia presented with productive cough, fever with chills and loss of appetite for 4 days. On examination he was unwell and febrile with a temperature of 38.3. His blood pressure was 130/80mmHg and pulse rate was 140 bpm. Respiratory rate was 18 breaths per minute. On auscultation there were crepitations over the left lower zone of his chest. His abdomen was soft and non-tender. ECG showed an irregular narrow complex tachycardia. Which of the following is the most appropriate acute management to treat his tachycardia?
Your Answer: Antibiotics
Explanation:The most likely diagnosis is acute atrial fibrillation (AF) precipitated by acute pneumonia. History of fever, cough and the auscultation findings support it. So the most appropriate management is treating the pneumonia with antibiotics. Treating the underlying cause will reduce the heart rate. Other responses are helpful in the management of chronic AF.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 23
Incorrect
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Which of the following indicates the opening of tricuspid valve in jugular venous waveform?
Your Answer: c wave
Correct Answer: y descent
Explanation:The a wave indicates atrial contraction. The c wave indicates ventricular contraction and the resulting bulging of tricuspid valve into the right atrium during isovolumetric systole. The v wave indicates venous filling. The x descent indicates the atrium relaxation and the movement of the tricuspid valve downward. The y descent indicates the filling of the ventricle after tricuspid opening.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 24
Correct
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Which of the following describes the reason for the decline of the use of betablockers as antihypertensives in last few years?
Your Answer: Less likely to prevent stroke + potential impairment of glucose tolerance
Explanation:According to the latest research, beta blockers are associated with higher incidence of fatal and non-fatal strokes, all cardiovascular events, and cardiovascular mortality. New-onset diabetes also associates with beta blockers.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 25
Correct
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A 30 yr. old male patient presented with palpitations that occur randomly at rest. There have however been episodes of fast palpitations and dizziness on exertion. On examination there was a systolic murmur at the apex as well as a prominent apex beat and the chest was clear. Which of the following is LEAST likely to suggest a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Your Answer: A history of hypertension for 10 years
Explanation:Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an autosomal dominant condition. Patients present with sudden cardiac death, dyspnoea, syncope and presyncope, angina, palpitations, orthopnoea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea, Congestive heart failure and dizziness. Physical findings include double or triple apical impulse, prominent a wave in the JVP, an ejection systolic crescendo-decrescendo murmur and a holosystolic murmur at the apex and axilla of mitral regurgitation.
ECG shows ST-T wave abnormalities and LVH, axis deviation (right or left), conduction abnormalities (P-R prolongation, bundle-branch block), sinus bradycardia with ectopic atrial rhythm, atrial enlargement, abnormal and prominent Q wave in the anterior precordial and lateral limb leads.
2D echocardiography shows abnormal systolic anterior leaflet motion of the mitral valve, LVH, left atrial enlargement, small ventricular chamber size, septal hypertrophy with septal-to-free wall ratio greater than 1.4:1, mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation, decreased midaortic flow, partial systolic closure of the aortic valve in midsystole -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 26
Correct
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Which of the following is the mechanism of action of bivalirudin in acute coronary syndrome?
Your Answer: Reversible direct thrombin inhibitor
Explanation:Bivalirudin is a competitive, direct thrombin inhibitor. It inhibits both free and clot-bound thrombin and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. Thrombin enables fibrinogen conversion to fibrin during the coagulation cascade. So inhibition of fibrinogen conversion to fibrin inhibits thrombus development.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 27
Correct
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A 60 yr. old man with previous history of myocardial infarction and hypertension presented with severe retrosternal chest pain for the past 2 hours. During initial management he collapsed and pulseless ventricular tachycardia was detected. The external defibrillator arrived in 3 minutes. From the following answers, what is the most appropriate immediate management of this patient?
Your Answer: He should be given a precordial thump
Explanation:A precordial thumb is not routinely recommended because of its very low success rate for cardioversion of a shockable rhythm. It’s only recommended when there is a delay in getting the defibrillator.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 28
Incorrect
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A 60 yr. old male patient with hypertension presented with acute onset retrosternal chest pain for 3 hours. On examination his pulse rate was 68 bpm, BP was 100/60 mmHg and JVP was seen 3mm from the sternal notch. Respiratory examination was normal. His ECG showed narrow QRS complexes, ST segment elevation of 2mm in leads II, III and aVF and a complete heart block. What is the most immediate treatment from the following answers?
Your Answer: Temporary transcutaneous pacemaker
Correct Answer: Chewable aspirin 300 mg
Explanation:The diagnosis is inferior ST elevation myocardial infarction. As the right coronary artery supplies the SA and AV nodes and bundle of His, conduction abnormalities are more common with inferior MIs. The most immediate drug management is high dose Aspirin. Definite treatment is urgent cardiac revascularization.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 29
Correct
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A 50 yr. old male patient with schizophrenia complained of chest pain and palpitations. His ECG revealed torsades de pointes ventricular tachycardia. He was on thioridazine for schizophrenia. What is the most appropriate management for his presentation?
Your Answer: IV magnesium
Explanation:Thioridazine has a quinidine-like action on the heart and is known to cause cardiac arrhythmias including prolonged PR and QT intervals and widening of QRS complexes. Intravenous magnesium sulphate is regarded as the treatment of choice for this arrhythmia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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Question 30
Correct
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A 65 yr. old male presented with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction and thrombolysis was planned. Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for thrombolysis?
Your Answer: Intracerebral Haemorrhage
Explanation:Absolute contraindications for fibrinolytic use in STEMI
Prior intracranial haemorrhage (ICH)
Known structural cerebral vascular lesion
Known malignant intracranial neoplasm
Ischemic stroke within 3 months
Suspected aortic dissection
Active bleeding or bleeding diathesis (excluding menses)
Significant closed head trauma or facial trauma within 3 months
Intracranial or intraspinal surgery within 2 months
Severe uncontrolled hypertension (unresponsive to emergency therapy)
For streptokinase, prior treatment within the previous 6 months -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiology
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
