Practice Test GeeksCCI - Cardiovascular Credentialing International Practice Test
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RCS Flashcards

7 cards from real CCI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. What is the normal range for mitral valve area (MVA) as measured by the pressure half-time (PHT) method?

    Answer: 4.0–6.0 cm²

    Normal MVA is 4.0–6.0 cm²; severe mitral stenosis is defined as MVA ≤1.5 cm², with MVA = 220/PHT.

  2. Which safety concern is unique to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) compared to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)?

    Answer: Risk of esophageal perforation and aspiration

    TEE requires esophageal intubation, introducing risks of esophageal perforation, laryngospasm, aspiration, and complications related to sedation not present with TTE.

  3. In a patient with a bicuspid aortic valve, which associated cardiovascular abnormality must be routinely assessed?

    Answer: Aortic root and ascending aorta dilation

    Bicuspid aortic valve is associated with medial degeneration of the aortic wall, predisposing to aortic root and ascending aorta aneurysm independent of valve dysfunction.

  4. Which parameter derived from 3D echocardiography provides the most accurate non-geometric assessment of LV volumes compared to 2D methods?

    Answer: 3D-derived LV end-diastolic volume without geometric assumptions

    3D echocardiography can trace the true LV endocardial surface without geometric assumptions, providing volumes that closely correlate with cardiac MRI as the reference standard.

  5. A patient with sarcoidosis has a dilated left ventricle with basal septal thinning and dyskinesis but preserved apical function. This regional pattern is MOST characteristic of:

    Answer: Non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with basal predominance

    Sarcoid cardiomyopathy classically produces a non-ischemic pattern with basal and septal wall motion abnormalities that do not follow a coronary artery distribution.

  6. Which echocardiographic finding is most specific for acute right heart failure secondary to massive pulmonary embolism?

    Answer: RV dilation with McConnell sign (akinetic mid free wall with preserved apical contractility)

    McConnell sign (regional RV free wall akinesis sparing the apex) has high specificity for acute pulmonary embolism and distinguishes it from other causes of RV pressure overload.

  7. When optimizing 2D image quality, which transducer frequency adjustment would BEST improve near-field resolution in an obese patient with a thick chest wall?

    Answer: Decrease frequency to improve penetration at the cost of resolution

    Lower ultrasound frequencies penetrate tissue more effectively but with reduced resolution; in obese patients, lowering frequency is necessary to reach cardiac structures.