CCI Cardiac Pharmacology and Hemodynamic Monitoring

Question 1

Which pharmacological agent is used as a vasodilator stressor during pharmacologic stress testing in patients who cannot exercise adequately?

Accepted Answer

Regadenoson (adenosine A2A agonist)

Answer

Dobutamine

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 2

What is the mechanism of action of dobutamine when used as a pharmacologic stressor in stress echocardiography?

Accepted Answer

Beta-1 adrenergic stimulation increasing heart rate and contractility to simulate exercise

Answer

Coronary vasodilation through adenosine receptor activation

Answer

Alpha-1 receptor blockade causing peripheral vasodilation

Answer

Calcium channel blockade reducing afterload

Question 3

Which hemodynamic parameter is calculated by dividing cardiac output by mean arterial pressure minus central venous pressure?

Accepted Answer

Systemic vascular resistance

Answer

Pulmonary vascular resistance

Answer

Cardiac index

Answer

Stroke volume

Question 4

During a cardiac catheterization, a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) of 22 mmHg indicates which condition?

Accepted Answer

Elevated left atrial pressure suggesting left heart failure or mitral stenosis

Answer

Normal left heart filling pressure

Answer

Right ventricular failure in isolation

Answer

Pericardial effusion without tamponade

Question 5

Which class of antiarrhythmic drugs blocks sodium channels and is classified as Class I according to the Vaughan Williams classification?

Accepted Answer

Sodium channel blockers (e.g., lidocaine, flecainide)

Answer

Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol)

Answer

Potassium channel blockers (e.g., amiodarone)

Answer

Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil)

Question 6

What is the primary hemodynamic effect of intravenous nitroglycerin at low doses used in acute heart failure management?

Accepted Answer

Venodilation reducing preload and left ventricular filling pressures

Answer

Arterial vasoconstriction increasing afterload

Answer

Positive inotropic effect increasing contractility

Answer

Chronotropic effect increasing heart rate