AF Diagnosis & Risk 2

Question 1

Which ECG finding is most characteristic of atrial fibrillation?

Accepted Answer

Absent P waves with irregularly irregular RR intervals

Answer

AF is defined by chaotic atrial activity resulting in absent discrete P waves and an irregularly irregular ventricular response.

Question 2

A patient with AF has a CHADS2 score of 3. Which component contributes 2 points to this score?

Accepted Answer

Prior stroke or TIA

Answer

In the CHADS2 score, prior stroke or TIA carries 2 points, while CHF, hypertension, age ≥75, and diabetes each carry 1 point.

Question 3

Which imaging modality is preferred to rule out left atrial appendage thrombus before cardioversion?

Accepted Answer

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)

Answer

TEE provides superior visualization of the left atrial appendage compared to TTE and is the standard for excluding LAA thrombus prior to cardioversion.

Question 4

A 68-year-old male with AF, hypertension, and no other comorbidities has a CHA2DS2-VASc score of:

Accepted Answer

3

Answer

He scores 1 for male sex (vascular category), 1 for age 65-74, and 1 for hypertension, totaling 3 points.

Question 5

Which condition is considered a major risk factor for developing AF due to atrial pressure overload?

Accepted Answer

Mitral stenosis

Answer

Mitral stenosis causes left atrial pressure and volume overload, leading to atrial dilation and structural remodeling that promotes AF.

(AF) Atrial Fibrillation Certification Practice Test

(AF) Atrial Fibrillation Certification Practice Test

AF Diagnosis & Risk 2