AF Patient Assessment & Clinical Evaluation 3

Question 1

Which echocardiographic finding is MOST important to identify before performing electrical cardioversion in a patient with AF of unknown duration?

Accepted Answer

Left atrial appendage thrombus

Answer

Left atrial appendage thrombus must be excluded before cardioversion to prevent systemic embolization.

Question 2

A patient with AF is found to have a blood pressure of 160/95 mmHg on repeated measurements. How does this finding affect clinical management?

Accepted Answer

It increases stroke risk and warrants blood pressure control

Answer

Hypertension is a risk factor in CHA₂DS₂-VASc scoring and increases stroke risk in AF, necessitating blood pressure management.

Question 3

Which laboratory test is essential to obtain during initial evaluation of a newly diagnosed AF patient to rule out a reversible cause?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Answer

Hyperthyroidism is a common reversible cause of AF and can be identified by checking TSH.

Question 4

A patient reports that their palpitations always start after consuming alcohol. This finding is BEST described as:

Accepted Answer

Holiday heart syndrome

Answer

Holiday heart syndrome refers to AF precipitated by acute alcohol consumption, often in otherwise healthy individuals.

Question 5

In a patient with AF and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), which symptom overlap requires careful differentiation during assessment?

Accepted Answer

Dyspnea and exercise intolerance

Answer

Dyspnea and exercise intolerance are common to both AF with rapid ventricular response and HFrEF, requiring distinction to guide treatment.

(AF) Atrial Fibrillation Certification Practice Test

(AF) Atrial Fibrillation Certification Practice Test

AF Patient Assessment & Clinical Evaluation 3